Who will be the decisive figures in the upcoming NBA playoffs?
Welcome to NBA Rank: 2025 Playoffs Edition, where ESPN experts are counting down the 50 players expected to have the biggest impact as teams battle through the postseason.
Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP favorite, lead the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder to their franchise`s first championship? Will Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP, add another title to his legendary career? And how far can Luka Doncic and LeBron James, in his 18th playoff appearance, carry the Los Angeles Lakers?
While these stars will undoubtedly play crucial roles in their teams` playoff journeys, series outcomes often hinge on role players stepping up on the grandest stage. Therefore, our list includes seasoned veterans, emerging young talents making their playoff debuts, and numerous players poised to seize the spotlight.
Let`s dive into the rankings, starting with No. 50 and working our way down to the top contenders in the 2025 playoffs.
Note: ESPN`s NBA Rank panel, consisting of over 150 reporters, editors, producers, and analysts, ranked players based on their anticipated influence—both in terms of quality and quantity—during the 2025 playoffs.
50. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
Playoff Career Stats: 18.9 PPG | 6.9 RPG | 4.4 APG (7 games)
Before a labrum tear in early December, Wagner was on track for his first All-Star selection and All-NBA consideration. In the season`s opening month, he had eight games with at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Since returning from injury, he averaged 24 points over 35 games. However, his three-point shooting remains a concern. In last year`s first-round defeat to Cleveland, Wagner shot just 26.5% from beyond the arc, and this season, he remained below 30% for the second consecutive year. Orlando`s record was six games above .500 in the 60 games he played.
49. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Playoff Career Stats: 13.8 PPG | 6.7 RPG | 1.9 BPG (43 games)
Turner, a seasoned 10-year veteran, has been the defensive anchor for Indiana, whose defense significantly improved this season, rising to 14th in defensive rating from 24th in 2023-24. He contested an impressive 213 more 2-pointers than any teammate. Opponents` shooting percentages near the basket dropped by 8.7 percentage points when contested by Turner, placing him among elite rim protectors like Ivica Zubac, Draymond Green, and Evan Mobley, all considered for Defensive Player of the Year.
48. Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff Career Stats: 5.7 PPG | 5.9 RPG | 57.4 FG% (26 games)
The Thunder invested in Hartenstein as a starting-caliber center, and he proved his worth in the first year of his $87 million, three-year contract. Hartenstein posted career highs in points (11.2), rebounds (10.7), and assists (3.8) while anchoring the league`s top defense. His combination of physicality, finesse around the basket, and basketball intelligence was crucial for OKC in setting a new NBA record for point differential.
47. Norman Powell, LA Clippers
Playoff Career Stats: 9.2 PPG | 39.2 3P% | 2.1 RPG (84 games)
Powell started the season strong, becoming a primary scorer while Leonard recovered from a knee injury, even making a case for his first All-Star selection. While injury and Leonard`s return to top form have slightly cooled Powell`s performance recently, he remains capable of scoring bursts and leading the team in scoring if needed.
46. Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets
Playoff Career Stats: 16.0 PPG | 0.9 SPG | 3.1 RPG (22 games)
Brooks has a history of rivalry with the Golden State Warriors, which will be renewed as he likely defends Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. He will be crucial in helping the young Rockets live up to their 2-seed and compete against the experienced Warriors in the first round.
45. Al Horford, Boston Celtics
Playoff Career Stats: 12.2 PPG | 8 RPG | 39.1 3P%
At 38, Horford is among the NBA`s oldest players but still significantly impacts one of the league`s best teams. His contributions might be nationally understated compared to LeBron James` longevity, but in Boston, his value is clear. The Celtics have managed his playing time effectively this season to ensure he is ready for a deep playoff run, where he is expected to play a vital role.
44. Luguentz Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff Career Stats: 11.4 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 0.9 SPG (16 games)
Dort is often called `DPOY` by teammates due to his defensive prowess. He consistently guards the toughest perimeter players, holding them below their scoring averages. He combines the strength of a linebacker with cornerback agility. Initially undrafted and known for his shooting struggles, Dort has evolved into a dangerous three-point shooter, hitting a career-best 41.2% this season.
43. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Playoff Career Stats: 14.3 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 3.4 APG (46 games)
Herro had a breakthrough season, earning his first All-Star selection and leading Miami through the play-in tournament with strong performances against Chicago and Atlanta. For the Heat to make another unexpected playoff run, Herro needs to maintain his production to compete with the Cavaliers` potent offense.
42. Josh Hart, New York Knicks
Playoff Career Stats: 12.6 PPG | 9.6 RPG | 3.5 APG (24 games)
Hart is a unique, versatile player for New York, known for his hustle and all-around contributions. He leads the NBA in recovered loose balls and broke Clyde Frazier`s 56-year-old Knicks record for triple-doubles in a season with nine. However, his three-point shooting when wide open (34%) is a potential weakness for opposing defenses to exploit in the playoffs.
41. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Playoff Career Stats: 24.2 PPG | 6.2 APG | 38.9 3P% (65 games)
Murray missed six late-season games due to a hamstring injury that was initially minor. During his absence, the Nuggets made coaching and GM changes. He returned for the final two regular-season games, scoring 15 and 16 points, respectively. For the Nuggets to contend, Murray needs to be at his best, forming a formidable duo with Nikola Jokic, historically one of the most effective in the playoffs.
40. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
Playoff Career Stats: 15.7 PPG | 2.1 BPG | 6.8 RPG (23 games)
Jackson`s improved offensive versatility, especially his three-point shooting (37.5% in the regular season), is often overlooked. He will face a challenging matchup against OKC`s Chet Holmgren, who has a similar offensive skill set.
39. Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks
Playoff Career Stats: 13.1 PPG | 37.9 3P% | 4.5 RPG (39 games)
Bridges has been solid defensively in his first season with the Knicks, though sometimes inconsistent, performing better against weaker teams. The playoffs provide an opportunity to address this. His midrange game, where he shot almost 51%, could be valuable when playoff games become more deliberate.
38. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
Playoff Career Stats: 17.1 PPG | 9.4 RPG | 3.7 APG (15 games)
Randle`s past playoff appearances have been difficult. In 2021, he shot 30% FG in a five-game loss. In 2023, despite ankle injuries, he shot 37%, with his scoring dropping from 25.1 to 16.6 PPG. On a stronger Minnesota team, Randle will face less pressure to create offense but needs to contribute shooting and playmaking.
37. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
Playoff Career Stats: 13.2 PPG | 1.6 BPG | 11.0 RPG (69 games)
Rumors of Gobert`s playoff struggles are overstated. He actually plays more minutes in the playoffs (33.5) than in the regular season (32.6). While playoff spacing can limit his rim protection impact, the main challenge against smaller lineups will be his offensive contribution through putbacks and lobs.
36. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Playoff Career Stats: 27.3 PPG | 8.6 APG | 6.8 RPG (19 games)
Morant`s preference for attacking the paint will be tested against Oklahoma City`s defense, which allows the fewest paint points in the league (42.5 PPG). Memphis leads the league in drives per game (60.3). Morant needs to consistently penetrate the paint to positively affect this series for the Grizzlies.
35. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
Playoff Career Stats: 17.3 PPG | 6.6 RPG | 3.1 APG (70 games)
Siakam was instrumental in Indiana`s Eastern Conference finals run last season as a midseason acquisition, even putting up better numbers than during Toronto`s 2019 championship run. He is offensively potent and defensively impactful. Indiana was undefeated this season when Siakam recorded at least four combined steals and blocks.
34. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Playoff Career Stats: 16.3 PPG | 9.1 RPG | 52.3 FG% (74 games)
Adebayo had a less impactful season, especially offensively, but a strong finish helped Miami reach the playoffs. He also defended well in the play-in tournament, holding opponents to 32% shooting. He will be crucial against Cleveland in the first round, needing to perform at his peak for the Heat to challenge the top-seeded Cavaliers.
33. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Playoff Career Stats: 27.0 PPG | 8.6 RPG | 40.0 3P% (7 games)
Similar to Wagner, Banchero was on track for an All-Star nod before a labrum tear early in the season. In his first five games, he had three 30+ point games, including a 50-point career high against Indiana. He finished the regular season with career highs in points (25.6) and rebounds (7.5). For Orlando to advance, Banchero needs to improve his three-point shooting from 32% this season to closer to the 40% he shot in last year`s first-round loss. Orlando is expected to sign Banchero to a max contract extension this offseason, following Wagner`s.
32. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Playoff Career Stats: None
Thompson effectively defended Stephen Curry in their last matchup on April 6, limiting him to 1-10 shooting. He will likely take on this role again in the first-round series. His performance against Curry will heavily influence Houston`s outcome. Offensively, Thompson needs to improve his 27.5% three-point shooting, but his willingness to shoot should help open up his effective rim attacks.
31. Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics
Playoff Career Stats: 16.6 PPG | 6.3 APG | 1.4 SPG (89 games)
Holiday has a reduced offensive role compared to earlier in his career, but the 34-year-old remains a defensive standout and clutch player. He demonstrated this in last year`s playoff run, and Boston will rely on him to do the same in their upcoming postseason campaign.
30. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers
Playoff Career Stats: 8.6 PPG | 7.1 RPG | 57.7 FG% (45 games)
Zubac is having a career season, consistently performing on both ends for the Clippers. Averaging 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds, he is vital to the Clippers` success and a defensive anchor. Despite coach Ty Lue sometimes opting for smaller lineups, Zubac could be crucial against teams like the Nuggets. He is the only player to hold Nikola Jokic below 45% shooting among those who have defended him extensively.
29. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Playoff Career Stats: 11.6 PPG | 8.9 RPG | 1.5 SPG (157 games)
Green, a Defensive Player of the Year contender, remains the Warriors` defensive leader and disruptor. Golden State has improved since Butler`s arrival, forcing Green to play center and compete against larger opponents. Rebounding and turnovers are weaknesses for the Warriors, areas where Green influences. Green has been more composed this season, which is crucial for the playoffs as the Warriors need him to control the paint and defend inside, especially against rivals like Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams.
28. Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets
Playoff Career Stats: 14.3 PPG | 6.4 RPG | 3.0 APG (52 games)
Gordon missed 31 games due to injuries, and Denver`s win total decreased compared to last season, which is likely related. His playmaking alongside Jokic and Murray makes Denver`s offense much harder to defend, evident in their 10-2 record when Gordon has five or more assists.
27. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
Playoff Career Stats: 17.1 PPG | 5.5 APG | 1.2 SPG (17 games)
Garland had a strong bounce-back season after injury. Despite summer trade rumors involving him and Mitchell, the Cavs kept them together, a wise decision. Garland had a strong offensive season in a balanced role with Mitchell. His three-point shooting was excellent early in the season (43.1%) but declined later (33.5%), a trend to watch.
26. Derrick White, Boston Celtics
Playoff Career Stats: 12.4 PPG | 39.4 3P% | 3.2 RPG (72 games)
White is an underrated player who has evolved from a hesitant three-point shooter to one attempting and making them at a high volume (38% on over nine attempts per game). This, combined with his defense, makes him arguably Boston`s second most crucial player after Tatum.
25. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks
Playoff Career Stats: 12.1 PPG | 40.0 3P% | 4.9 RPG (36 games)
Anunoby is a top 3-and-D player, known for defense and corner threes. When Brunson was injured, Anunoby elevated his offense, averaging over 23 points efficiently. His self-creation is valuable, but his defense is crucial, especially as he is expected to guard Cade Cunningham in the first round.
24. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
Playoff Career Stats: None
Sengun has performed well offensively against Draymond Green in the past. His rebounding impact, especially in Houston`s double-big lineups with Steven Adams, will be significant in this series. With both Sengun and Adams on the court, Houston`s offensive and defensive ratings improve dramatically, along with their rebounding percentage.
23. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
Playoff Career Stats: 11.7 PPG | 10.3 RPG | 62.0 FG% (18 games)
Allen faced criticism after missing last year`s playoffs due to injury, but he responded by playing all 82 games this season. He adapted his role to support Mobley, sacrificing minutes and shots without complaint. Opponents will continue to test his physicality and toughness.
22. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
Playoff Career Stats: 16.9 PPG | 40.4 3P% | 4.3 APG (21 games)
Reaves had a career year in his fourth season, improving in points, assists, rebounds, and steals. After a strong playoff debut in 2023, Reaves is now a known threat, and defenses will adjust to counter the 26-year-old guard.
21. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff Career Stats: 15.6 PPG | 7.2 RPG | 2.5 BPG (10 games)
A pelvic fracture hindered Holmgren`s season and likely his Defensive Player of the Year contention. He is an elite rim protector (2.3 BPG career) and mobile enough to play power forward alongside Isaiah Hartenstein. His three-point shooting in the playoffs is crucial, as he shot poorly (26%) last postseason compared to his career average.
20. James Harden, LA Clippers
Playoff Career Stats: 22.7 PPG | 6.4 APG | 1.6 SPG (166 games)
Harden exceeded expectations with his leadership and playmaking when the Clippers started the season with low expectations. Despite Leonard`s current form, Harden has been the Clippers` consistent engine, elevating Zubac and providing Leonard with another All-Star level player. He has been performing exceptionally in April, and if he maintains this clutch play and Leonard stays healthy, the Clippers could make a deep playoff run.
19. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Playoff Career Stats: 18.7 PPG | 8.2 APG | 4.8 RPG (15 games)
Haliburton started the season injured and underperformed early on, but regained All-NBA form after the All-Star break, averaging 20 points and 11 assists on 53% shooting. He is a polarizing playoff player, driving Indiana`s fast pace offense but can be defensively targeted late in games. His potential matchup with Damian Lillard will be intriguing.
18. Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics
Playoff Career Stats: 14.6 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 37.0 3P% (17 games)
Porzingis missed almost all of last year`s playoffs due to injuries. Now fully healthy, his offensive versatility as a floor-spacing big man adds a new dimension to Boston`s playoff offense, whether in the post or from three-point range.
17. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
Playoff Career Stats: 14.2 PPG | 9.5 RPG | 1.9 BPG (17 games)
Mobley`s breakout season could lead to All-NBA and Defensive Player of the Year awards. He has always been a good defender, but Cleveland`s new coaching staff has enhanced his offense. He significantly increased his three-point attempts and aggression. Teams will test him defensively on switches in late-game situations.
16. Jimmy Butler III, Golden State Warriors
Playoff Career Stats: 21.3 PPG | 6.2 RPG | 1.7 SPG (119 games)
Butler transformed the Warriors` season after joining in February, culminating in `Playoff Jimmy` emerging just in time for the postseason. He scored 30 and 38 points in crucial games. Butler is driven to win a title after reaching two NBA Finals with the Heat. He needs to share the scoring load with Curry, lead non-Curry minutes, and form a defensive duo with Draymond Green comparable to “Pippen and Jordan,” according to coach Steve Kerr.
15. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Playoff Career Stats: None
Cunningham is a versatile, complete player and a matchup problem as a large point guard. He controls Detroit`s offense and is having his best season, with career highs in points and assists, shooting efficiently. Despite no playoff experience, he is eager to lead a Detroit resurgence. Pistons owner Tom Gores praised his leadership and unselfishness.
14. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
Playoff Career Stats: 21.3 PPG | 7.8 RPG | 39.9 3P% (139 games)
Leonard faced questions after Team USA replaced him before the Olympics, and he missed early Clippers camp. However, after managing inflammation in his knee, Leonard has returned to form, scoring 20+ points in 15 straight games and playing heavy minutes. After limited playoff appearances in recent years, Leonard aims to be healthy when it matters most.
13. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff Career Stats: 18.7 PPG | 6.8 RPG | 5.4 APG (10 games)
Williams, a first-time All-Star, has become a top two-way wing. He is in elite company with players like Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, Harden, and Doncic in averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.5 steals this season. Some question if he`s a strong enough second option for a title run, citing his playoff struggles last year against the Mavs.
12. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
Playoff Career Stats: 18.8 PPG | 10.2 RPG | 35.0 3P% (32 games)
Acquired during training camp, Towns was valued by the Knicks for his floor spacing. He delivered, shooting a career-best 42% from three and driving to the basket more. His rebounding and passing are strong, but his rim protection, particularly against elite offenses, is a concern in the playoffs.
11. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Playoff Career Stats: 19.1 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 2.4 APG (124 games)
Brown`s health is a key question for Boston`s title repeat attempt, as he dealt with a knee bone bruise late in the season. Boston will manage his playing time early in the playoffs, but they will need him at his best, like his 2024 East finals and NBA Finals MVP form, to win the title.
10. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Playoff Career Stats: 23.9 PPG | 4.8 APG | 4.0 RPG (49 games)
Brunson controlled the ball more than any NBA player this season and was impactful in clutch situations. He shot 51.5% from the field and led the NBA in clutch baskets despite missing a month due to injury. His clutch performance will be vital against the Pistons and their young playoff debutants.
9. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Playoff Career Stats: 28.4 PPG | 9.0 RPG | 7.2 APG (287 games)
James holds the record for playoff games played with 287, equivalent to 3.5 extra seasons.
The question is, how much does the 40-year-old have left for another championship run in pursuit of his fifth ring?
8. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Playoff Career Stats: 27.8 PPG | 6.0 RPG | 5.5 APG (27 games)
Edwards dismissed concerns about his three-point shooting early in the season and then made a league-high 320 threes at 39.5%. He averaged a career-high 27.6 points with his best true shooting percentage and is set for his second All-NBA honor.
7. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Playoff Career Stats: 27.0 PPG | 6.2 APG | 39.7 3P% (147 games)
Curry aims for his fifth ring, and Jimmy Butler`s arrival has revitalized him and the Warriors. After missing last year`s playoffs, Curry is back to superstar level at 37. He recently scored 36 and 37 points with 13 combined threes. Despite a thumb sprain, he will face a physical Rockets team that previously held him to just 3 points.
6. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Playoff Career Stats: 26.6 PPG | 12.0 RPG | 5.2 APG (79 games)
Antetokounmpo again led the league in field goals and free throws attempted, taking on more of Milwaukee`s offense due to Middleton`s trade and Lillard`s missed games. He was even more efficient while averaging almost eight assists in Lillard`s absence, crucial as Lillard is sidelined with deep vein thrombosis at the start of the playoffs. Lillard`s return timeline is uncertain.
5. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Playoff Career Stats: 28.1 PPG | 5.0 APG | 5.0 RPG (54 games)
Mitchell had an elite leadership season, cooperating with Kenny Atkinson to reduce his usage and maximize the roster, especially Mobley. However, his shooting slumped after the All-Star break (30.2% from three), and the Cavs` performance leveled off.
4. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers
Playoff Career Stats: 30.9 PPG | 9.4 RPG | 8.0 APG (50 games)
Dončić seeks redemption this postseason, aiming to make up for last year`s Finals disappointment and prove his former team, the Mavericks, wrong for trading him. He entered the playoffs in excellent form, averaging 34.4 points on efficient shooting, along with rebounds and assists, in his last five regular-season games.
3. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Playoff Career Stats: 27.7 PPG | 12.3 RPG | 7.5 APG (80 games)
After averaging a triple-double for the season, Jokic enters his first postseason without coach Michael Malone. The 2023 Finals MVP will likely be the best player in any series Denver plays, but the Nuggets` success will rely on contributions from players like Gordon, Porter Jr., Murray, and Braun.
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Playoff Career Stats: 24.0 PPG | 7.9 RPG | 4.9 APG (113 games)
Tatum remains a consistent two-way star, on track for his fourth straight All-NBA first team and top-five MVP finish. For the Celtics to repeat as champions for the first time in a decade, Tatum`s performance will be key.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Playoff Career Stats: 21.7 PPG | 4.9 APG | 43.3 3P% (23 games)
Gilgeous-Alexander is the MVP favorite after leading the league in scoring (32.7 PPG) and averaging a career-high 6.4 assists. He also contributed defensively (1.7 steals, 1.0 blocks) to the NBA`s top defense. Despite a second-round exit as a top seed last season, Gilgeous-Alexander`s playoff ability is clear. He was outstanding in that series against Dallas, averaging 32.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals.
