The 2025 NBA playoffs are here, and our NBA experts are covering every game as teams battle for the championship.
Throughout the season, the Western Conference rankings were always changing. Saturday`s games gave us a preview of what to expect in the first round. The Denver Nuggets, the No. 4 seed, came back to win against the No. 5 seed LA Clippers in overtime, thanks to Russell Westbrook`s clutch plays. Later, the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves surprised the No. 3 seed Los Angeles Lakers, with Anthony Edwards outplaying LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
On Sunday, MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder will face Ja Morant and the No. 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies. After that, the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets, a team that has improved a lot this season, will start their series against Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors.
Here are the main points from Saturday`s games as we prepare for Sunday`s matchups.
(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
(Timberwolves lead series, 1-0)
Game 1: Timberwolves 117, Lakers 95
What We Learned in Game 1:
The Lakers prepared for Game 1 with a hype video called `Unleash Joy,` meant to kick off their `2025 Playoff Run.` Their high expectations were understandable given their strong performance after trading for Luka Doncic and earning the No. 3 seed in the West.
The game started well for the Lakers, with Doncic scoring 14 points early. However, the Timberwolves, who had lost to Doncic in the previous conference finals, took over the game. Minnesota dominated the second and third quarters, leading by as much as 27 points. They outrebounded the Lakers (44-38) and effectively spread out the Lakers` defense by making extra passes to open shooters, hitting a franchise postseason record of 21 three-pointers out of 42 attempts. While the focus before the series was on stars like Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Anthony Edwards, and Julius Randle, Minnesota`s role players, Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid, stole the show. They combined for 48 points on efficient shooting, outperforming the Lakers` supporting cast and giving the Timberwolves a series lead.
Game 2: Timberwolves at Lakers (Tuesday, 10 p.m. ET, TNT)
What to Watch in Game 2:
Lakers coach JJ Redick only played starting center Jaxson Hayes for eight minutes in Game 1. He opted for Jarred Vanderbilt at center to try and reduce the large deficit. Redick now has to decide if he will give Hayes another chance in the starting lineup, which had a 10-3 regular-season record, or start Game 2 with a smaller lineup from the beginning, accepting a size disadvantage.
Originally reported by Dave McMenamin
(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) LA Clippers
(Nuggets lead series, 1-0)
Game 1: Nuggets 112, Clippers 110 (OT)
What We Learned in Game 1:
Denver showed resilience. Despite Nikola Jokic getting hit in the face and receiving a technical foul, the Nuggets overcame a 15-point deficit to win in overtime. Russell Westbrook was crucial with offensive rebounds and key plays. Jamal Murray recovered from a slow start to hit important three-pointers in the fourth quarter, and Aaron Gordon scored key points in overtime to secure the victory.
The Clippers might regret James Harden`s foul trouble, which limited his game time despite his strong performance. The Nuggets` win, achieved through toughness, might signal the return of their championship confidence after a shaky end to the regular season.
Game 2: Clippers at Nuggets (Monday, 10 p.m. ET, TNT)
What to Watch in Game 2:
Both teams appeared tired by the end of Game 1 and have limited recovery time before Game 2. The Clippers need to take better care of the ball after giving up 29 points off turnovers. For Denver, Michael Porter Jr. needs to be more involved offensively after scoring only three points in Game 1 despite playing 26 minutes.
Originally reported by Ramona Shelburne
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies
Game 1: Grizzlies at Thunder (Sunday, April 20, 1 p.m. ET, ABC)
One Thing to Watch from the Thunder:
After a dominant regular season, the Thunder`s best outcome is an easy path to the championship. Their dominance could mirror teams like the 2016-17 Warriors or last year`s Celtics, although Oklahoma City may face tougher competition in these playoffs compared to the Celtics last year.
Originally reported by Kevin Pelton
One Thing to Watch from the Grizzlies:
Memphis struggled in March, leading to the firing of coach Taylor Jenkins and the promotion of Tuomas Iisalo. The change aims to maximize Ja Morant`s play. While they initially struggled under Iisalo, the team seems to be adapting.
Originally reported by Michael C. Wright
(2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors
Game 1: Warriors at Rockets (Sunday, April 20, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
One Thing to Watch from the Rockets:
Can Houston`s half-court offense consistently perform against the experienced Warriors in a seven-game series? Coach Ime Udoka has been focusing on this as the regular season ended. When Udoka coached Boston against Golden State in the 2022 Finals, Stephen Curry was highly effective. The Rockets might have a good defender against Curry in Amen Thompson, who previously limited Curry`s shooting. Can Thompson handle this responsibility in his first playoffs?
Originally reported by Michael C. Wright
One Thing to Watch from the Warriors:
The Warriors need to find ways to get Curry open against Houston`s strong defenders like Thompson and Dillon Brooks. Jimmy Butler III will be important for scoring and carrying the offense when Curry is not on the court. Draymond Green will need to defend Alperen Sengun effectively despite the height difference.
Originally reported by Ohm Youngmisuk
