The 2025 NBA Playoffs are officially here, with the Play-In Tournament already making waves. The Golden State Warriors have punched their ticket to the postseason after a thrilling 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. With 75 points combined from Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, the Warriors secured the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and are set to face the Houston Rockets in the first round. But that’s just the beginning—the rest of the playoff picture is taking shape, and fans are gearing up for an action-packed postseason.
Warriors Make Playoffs After Grizzlies’ Comeback Falls Short
The Warriors’ hard-fought win in the Play-In Tournament was one for the books. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler delivered stellar performances, leading Golden State to a 121-116 win over the Grizzlies. Despite a valiant comeback attempt by Memphis, who fought back from a 20-point deficit, the Warriors held on to clinch their spot in the playoffs. With Curry’s sharpshooting and Butler’s all-around brilliance, Golden State moves on to face the second-seeded Rockets, who will be a tough challenge in the first round.
Magic Clinch No. 7 Seed in the East with a Big Win Over the Hawks
In other Play-In Tournament action, the Orlando Magic dominated the Atlanta Hawks with a 120-95 win, securing the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. The victory sets up an exciting matchup with the defending champion Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. The Magic’s victory was a clear statement, as they outpaced the Hawks and took control from the opening tip-off. The young Magic squad will now look to continue their impressive run against the Celtics in what promises to be a thrilling series.
2025 NBA Playoff Matchups: A Look at the First-Round Bracket
With the Play-In Tournament in full swing, the complete first-round playoff matchups are almost set. By the end of the week, we’ll know the final seeds and all eight first-round series in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Here’s a look at the current matchups:
Eastern Conference First-Round Matchups
- No. 1 Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Hawks/Bulls/Heat
- No. 2 Celtics vs. No. 7 Magic
- No. 3 Knicks vs. No. 6 Pistons
- No. 4 Pacers vs. No. 5 Bucks
Western Conference First-Round Matchups
- No. 1 Thunder vs. No. 8 Grizzlies/Kings/Mavericks
- No. 2 Rockets vs. No. 7 Warriors
- No. 3 Lakers vs. No. 6 Timberwolves
- No. 4 Nuggets vs. No. 5 Clippers
The first round will officially tip off on Saturday, April 19, with four exciting games across the NBA. Fans can expect high-intensity matchups as teams battle for a spot in the next round.
Play-In Tournament Still Heating Up: More Games Ahead
The Play-In Tournament is far from over. On Wednesday, April 16, the Chicago Bulls will take on the Miami Heat, while the Sacramento Kings face the Dallas Mavericks. The winners of these games will then face off against the losers of Tuesday’s games for the final two playoff spots. The intensity is ramping up as teams fight to secure their spot in the postseason. All eyes will be on the remaining Play-In games as the final pieces of the playoff puzzle are put into place.
Key Dates and the Road to the NBA Finals
The NBA postseason calendar is packed with exciting action, leading up to the grand finale in June. Here are some key dates for the 2025 NBA Playoffs:
- April 19: Playoffs Begin
- May 12: NBA Draft Lottery
- June 5: NBA Finals Begin
The road to the NBA Finals promises plenty of twists and turns, with each team vying for glory in what could be one of the most competitive postseasons in recent years.
As the playoffs roll on, fans can expect intense battles, incredible performances, and, of course, high stakes. The Warriors will face off against the Rockets in a matchup that could go down to the wire, while other exciting series, like Celtics vs. Magic and Knicks vs. Pistons, will offer thrilling basketball action. The 2025 NBA Playoffs are shaping up to be an unforgettable tournament, and we’re just getting started.
Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team or hoping for an underdog story, there’s something for every NBA fan in this postseason. Be sure to tune in as the quest for the 2025 NBA Championship kicks off this weekend!