2025 NBA playoffs: Experts' picks for second-round matchups - ESPN

The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs is underway, with eight teams going head-to-head for a chance to move one step closer to their championship hopes.

The No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers after the Cavs swept the Miami Heat in the first round and the defending champion No. 2 seed Boston Celtics will have to face off against the No. 3 seed New York Knicks.

In the West, after an exciting seven-game series, the Denver Nuggets will move on to face the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder and the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves will take on the Golden State Warriors.

After a first round filled with sweeps and Game 7s, our NBA experts are making their picks for each second-round series.

Schedule and news | Second round preview | Offseason guide

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

Tim MacMahon: Cavaliers in 6
Kevin Pelton: Cavaliers in 6
Ramona Shelburne: Cavaliers in 6
Andre Snellings: Cavaliers in 6
Jorge Sedano: Cavaliers in 7
Jerry Bembry: Cavaliers in 6
Dave McMenamin: Cavaliers in 6
Jamal Collier: Cavaliers in 6
Chris Herring: Cavaliers in 6
Marc Spears: Cavaliers in 6
Jeremy Woo: Cavaliers in 6
Tim Bontemps: Cavaliers in 7

Final tally:
Cleveland 12, Indiana 0

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

Tim MacMahon: Celtics in 6
Kevin Pelton: Celtics in 5
Ramona Shelburne: Celtics in 6
Andre Snellings: Celtics in 7
Jorge Sedano: Celtics in 6
Jerry Bembry: Celtics in 5
Dave McMenamin: Celtics in 7
Jamal Collier: Celtics in 6
Chris Herring: Celtics in 5
Marc Spears: Celtics in 6
Jeremy Woo: Celtics in 6
Tim Bontemps: Celtics in 5

Final tally:
Boston 12, New York 0

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

Kevin Pelton: Thunder in 6
Ramona Shelburne: Thunder in 7
Jorge Sedano: Thun