A complete guide to the 2025 NBA playoff bracket: all the schedules, timings, and scores for the conference finals

The 2025 NBA playoffs have reached a crucial juncture with the conference finals locked in, spotlighting both familiar franchises and resurgent squads ready to battle for the championship. Oklahoma City and Minnesota headline the Western Conference showdown, while the Eastern Conference pits the Indiana Pacers against the long-awaiting New York Knicks. With schedules cemented and tension mounting, fans and analysts alike are dissecting every game’s timing, key matchups, and recent scorelines to anticipate what promises to be a thrilling path to the NBA Finals.

2025 NBA Playoff Bracket: Updated Schedule and Conference Finals Matchups

The Western Conference finals kick off with the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who punched their ticket after a gritty Game 7 victory over the Denver Nuggets. This marks the Thunder’s fifth appearance in the conference finals since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. They will hold the home-court advantage when facing the Minnesota Timberwolves, who finished off a strong series against the Golden State Warriors just days prior.

Meanwhile, Eastern Conference drama centers around the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. The Knicks, making their first conference finals appearance since 2000, face a Pacers squad that’s bounced back from a sweep last season by defeating the Celtics this year, despite Boston’s Jayson Tatum suffering a major injury. The Pacers are looking for redemption and deeper playoff success.

Conference Finals Schedule: Dates, Times, and Broadcast Info

• Eastern Conference Finals start on May 21, with games alternating between the Pacers and Knicks through June 2. All games air on TNT at 8 p.m. ET, with potential Game 6 and 7 pushing the series.
• Western Conference Finals begin May 20, hosted by the Thunder against the Timberwolves, starring prime-time battles on ESPN and ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET, concluding with possible Game 7 on June 1.
• NBA Finals, should the series advance to that stage, are scheduled to start June 5 on ABC, continuing with prime-time slots through June 22 if the full seven-game marathon unfolds.

For detailed updates on all playoff dates and broadcasting, check out the comprehensive NBA playoffs schedule.

Key Players and Tactical Insights Driving the 2025 Conference Finals

The emergence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the Thunder’s franchise cornerstone has been pivotal, combining electrifying scoring with leadership that spells a serious challenge to the Timberwolves, who themselves are no slouches. Minnesota’s depth, fronted by elite shooters and defenders, has shown up consistently.

• Indiana’s resilience post-last season sweep highlights not only roster improvement but also coaching mastery, especially in managing injuries to stars like Jayson Tatum on the Celtics side.
• The Knicks possess a physical style keyed by strong defensive grinders, aiming to shake off the two-decade drought from this deep into the playoffs.
• Bench production, adjustments in defensive schemes, and clutch shooting remain decisive factors, as teams represented by Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Puma outfitted players push their limits.

Navigating strategies and player performances is well covered in sources such as key player analyses and strategic breakdowns.

Crunching the Numbers: 2025 Playoff Results Leading to Conference Finals

The road to the conference finals tested all contenders’ mettle. The Pacers eliminated the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in a 4-1 series thanks to disciplined execution and clutch moments. The Knicks edged past the Boston Celtics, leveraging overtime victories and defensive stops to win the series 4-2. Over in the West, the Thunder survived a brutal 7-game series against the Nuggets, demonstrating defensive grit and offensive bursts, while the Timberwolves overpowered the Golden State Warriors in five games after an initial stumble.

• Eastern First Round Highlights: Pacers bested Milwaukee Bucks 4-1; Knicks overcame Detroit Pistons 4-2.
• Western First Round Highlights: Thunder swept Memphis Grizzlies 4-0; Timberwolves dispatched Lakers 4-1 in a series showcasing youth and athleticism.
• Second Round Tensions: Knicks triumphed over Celtics 4-2; Pacers dominated Cavaliers 4-1; Thunder edged Nuggets 4-3; Timberwolves hammered Warriors 4-1.

Anyone wanting comprehensive results and tactical insights can explore articles like Cavaliers playoff strategies or contenders’ assessment to understand how these teams got this far.

How Gear Giants Influence the NBA Playoffs Atmosphere

While players battle for supremacy on the court, off the hardwood the impact of brands such as Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, Reebok, New Era, Mitchell & Ness, Spalding, Wilson, and Fanatics cannot be understated. These companies supply everything from state-of-the-art basketball shoes to official game balls and fan apparel, shaping both player performance and fan experience in the playoffs.

• Shoe technology innovations from Nike and Adidas help players maintain agility and reduce injury, crucial in a grueling playoff schedule.
• Fanatics and Mitchell & Ness enhance the connection between fans and teams, delivering authentic jerseys and collectibles during the playoffs.
• Official basketballs by Spalding and Wilson set the standard for game consistency and handling.

Understanding the intersection of sportswear and performance is crucial for appreciating how today's athletes push boundaries. For extended discussion, check out what shapes playoff unpredictability.

Stay Ahead With Real-Time Playoff Updates and Analysis

For fans eager to keep pace with every shift in momentum, live updates and tactical discussions are indispensable. The playoffs demand attention to detail, and platforms dedicated to sharp analysis provide the edge needed to grasp the evolving landscape.

• Real-time score updates and game recaps ensure you never miss key plays.
• In-depth breakdowns of coaching decisions and player performances shed light on pivotal moments.
• Interactive forums and social media embeds foster community debate and fan perspectives.

Don't miss the latest reports on the evolving playoff scene on live updates hub and strategic insights at champion mentality analysis.