ESPN.com · May 18, 2025
2025 NBA playoffs: Conference semifinals takeaways
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The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs is here, and our NBA insiders have you covered for every game of the Eastern and Western Conference semifinals.
The No. 4 Indiana Pacers began the second round by taking home court from the No. 1-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers with a 121-112 victory in Game 1. The Cavaliers will try to bounce back Tuesday (7 p.m. ET, TNT).
On Monday, the No. 3 New York Knicks will travel to the No. 2 Boston Celtics for Game 1, and in the West, the No. 4 Denver Nuggets will take on the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder.
As teams continue to chase the Larry O'Brien Trophy, here's what matters most in both conferences and what to watch for in all four series.