NBA Playoffs Second Round Features Celtics-Knicks, Cavs-Pacers, Warriors-Rockets

The 2025 NBA playoffs have entered the second round, featuring high-profile matchups such as defending champion Boston Celtics versus the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers against the Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets set to play the Minnesota Timberwolves. Boston and New York renew a historic rivalry, with the Celtics having dominated recent head-to-head encounters and holding advantages in both offense and defense. Cleveland and Indiana both enter their series after strong first-round performances, with the Cavaliers notably setting an all-time offensive rating record, while Indiana relies heavily on Tyrese Haliburton. Expert predictions heavily favor the Cavaliers and Celtics to advance, with most analysts picking Cleveland in six games and Boston in five or six. Oklahoma City is narrowly favored over Denver, according to both odds and expert picks. The second round is marked by star power, high-scoring offenses, and the potential for upsets as underdog teams like Indiana look to capitalize on their momentum.