The 2025 NBA Playoffs are well on their way. With the first round now done and dusted with a few surprises (and disappointments—looking at you, Lakers) sneaking their way in, it’s time to predict how the Conference Semifinals will unfold. 

Oklahoma City Thunder (1) v. Denver Nuggets (4) 

Coming off a Game 7 win against the Los Angeles Clippers, nobody was expecting the Nuggets to win Game 1 at the Paycom Center. But win they most certainly did in a 121-119 upset. It didn’t matter much, though, as OKC came back last night and punched Jokic and his crew in the mouth with a whopping 40+ point win in Game 2. Now they go to Denver, and my prediction is that SGA and his boys are going to wrap this up back home in Game 5. If not, then most certainly by Game 6. 

Golden State Warriors (7) v. Minnesota Timberwolves (6) 

After crushing my Lakers in five games, the Timberwolves looked a little out of sorts in Game 1 against the Warriors, who themselves didn’t have the best game but were still able to come away with the win. Unfortunately, with Steph out for Games 2, 3, and possibly 4 with a hamstring strain, Minnesota might have just caught a break. But let’s not get carried away, this is still the Warriors with a determined Jimmy Butler on the roster. I wouldn’t be surprised if they stretched this series long enough for their baby-faced killer to come back. Still, I’m taking the T-Wolves in six.

Boston Celtics (2) v. New York Knicks (3)

As a longtime Celtics hater, I can’t lie, these first two games have been very fun. Everybody counted the Knicks out after their first-round win against Detroit. Because, of course, this is Boston, the reigning champs. The team that everybody is expecting to return to the Finals. But New York’s heart and grit, combined with Mr. Clutch and the real Defensive Player of the Year, Mikal Bridges, proved too much for Tatum and his crew, who have now not once, but twice fallen to shambles in the closing minutes in these first two games—at home, no less. I’m not going to say this series is a wrap – although boy would I love it if it was – though this might just be one of the biggest upsets in modern playoff history. I’m going to (cautiously) say Knicks in 6. 

Cleveland Cavaliers (1) v. Indiana Pacers (4)

Just like how nobody expected the Knicks to win against Boston, I’m going to assume very few were betting on the Pacers to beat the Cavs. But they’ve proven everyone, including myself, wrong…twice. Haliburton came through in the clutch and stole Game 2 with a game-winner, and now the series goes back to Indiana, where the Cavs will most certainly have a tough time overcoming that home crowd, especially now with Hali’s dad not making an ass of himself in the front row. This is going to be an interesting series, but as it stands, I’m taking the Pacers in 6. 

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