The 2025 NBA playoffs are in full swing, and our basketball experts are providing insights for every game as teams compete for a spot in the Finals.
In Saturday`s Eastern Conference matchups, the Indiana Pacers, seeded No. 4, easily defeated the No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks are now uncertain about Damian Lillard`s availability for Game 2. Additionally, the No. 3 New York Knicks secured a Game 1 victory at home against the No. 6 Detroit Pistons, fueled by enthusiastic fans at Madison Square Garden.
Sunday will mark the start of the postseason for the top two teams in the East. The No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Miami Heat, who made history as the first 10th-seeded team to advance from the play-in tournament to the playoffs. Following that game, the reigning champions, Boston Celtics, seeded No. 2, will begin their title defense against the No. 7 Orlando Magic.
Here are the main points from Saturday`s games as we prepare for Sunday`s exciting matchups.
Knicks vs. Pistons
(3) New York Knicks lead (6) Detroit Pistons, 1-0
Game 1: Knicks 123, Pistons 112
Key Lesson: The Knicks` playoff experience became a significant factor against the younger Pistons. Detroit struggled at the start of the fourth quarter, committing turnovers and allowing New York to go on a dominant 21-0 run. While the Pistons played well for three quarters, especially defensively against Jalen Brunson and in creating offensive opportunities, their collapse in the fourth quarter (outscored 40-21) allowed the Knicks to secure the win.
Game 2: Pistons at Knicks (Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
Player to Watch: Jalen Brunson`s health is crucial after he appeared to injure his ankle in Game 1 but then improved his performance in the fourth quarter. Isaiah Stewart`s knee injury for the Pistons is also a concern, as his physicality is important for matching up with the Knicks` frontcourt.
Pacers vs. Bucks
(4) Indiana Pacers lead (5) Milwaukee Bucks, 1-0
Game 1: Pacers 117, Bucks 98
Key Lesson: The Pacers` superior team depth was evident as they managed to overcome Giannis Antetokounmpo`s strong individual performance (36 points, 12 rebounds). While Antetokounmpo was dominant at times, the Pacers` defense limited the rest of the Bucks` team to poor shooting. Indiana`s ball movement, reflected in their 28 assists compared to Milwaukee`s 15, led to balanced scoring with five Pacers scoring in double figures, led by Pascal Siakam`s 25 points.
Game 2: Bucks at Pacers (Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET, NBA TV)
Player to Watch: Damian Lillard`s potential return for Game 2 is a key storyline. He has been out with a calf injury since March 18, and the Bucks could certainly use his offensive firepower after their supporting cast struggled in Game 1.
Cavaliers vs. Heat
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat
Game 1: Heat at Cavaliers (Sunday, 7 p.m. ET, TNT)
Cavaliers Focus: The Cavaliers` 3-point shooting will be critical. Their 3-point percentage has declined since March 11 after being league-leading for months prior. The consistency of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland from beyond the arc will significantly impact their offensive efficiency and overall performance in the series.
Heat Focus: The Heat, after making history as a 10th seed to reach the playoffs, face a tough challenge without Jimmy Butler III. Their ability to maintain focus and performance throughout the entire game, avoiding fourth-quarter collapses that plagued them during the season, will be essential for them to compete in this series.
Celtics vs. Magic
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic
Game 1: Magic at Celtics (Sunday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Celtics Focus: Jaylen Brown`s knee injury is a key concern for the Celtics. While they should be able to win this series even without Brown at his best, his health is vital for their deeper playoff aspirations and title defense. His condition after rest will be closely monitored.
Magic Focus: The Magic will try to exploit Jaylen Brown`s knee issue by increasing defensive pressure on Jayson Tatum and the rest of the Celtics. Orlando`s strong defense and ability to control the game`s tempo could make this a challenging, low-scoring series if they can capitalize on any weaknesses.
