Today's NBA playoff action: Updates on the first-round schedule and bracket

The 2025 NBA playoffs reach a critical juncture today with four Game 4 matchups that could shift the momentum for several first-round series. From the gritty battles between the Knicks and Pistons to the tension-filled Lakers-Timberwolves duel, and on to the Celtics visiting the Magic with the Bucks and Pacers closing out the evening action, every possession counts. These games not only determine who advances but highlight the tactical chess match that makes the playoffs truly captivating – where underdogs like Detroit and Orlando are pushing higher-seeded teams to their limits. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the post-season grind exposes every player's resilience and test teams' championship dreams.

2025 NBA Playoffs: First-Round Game 4 Schedule and Key Matchups Today

Sunday's slate kicks off at 1 p.m. Eastern on ABC, with the New York Knicks aiming to extend their narrow lead on the Detroit Pistons after reclaiming homecourt advantage on the road. This series exemplifies how every playoff possession is magnified – expect intense, physical basketball here. The afternoon continues with an intriguing Lakers vs. Timberwolves Game 4 at 3:30 p.m., another ABC doubleheader. Momentum swings define this series, with Minnesota currently holding a slim 2-1 edge, and Los Angeles needing to answer.

As night falls, the Celtics travel to Orlando at 7 p.m. on TNT and truTV, testing the Magic’s resolve after losing a tight Game 3. Boston seeks to tighten their grip on the series despite some uncharacteristic lapses. The day’s action concludes at 9:30 p.m. on TNT and truTV, where the Pacers, surprisingly leading 2-1 against the Bucks, look to press their advantage in Milwaukee. This game could tilt the balance in the Eastern Conference landscape.

• 1 p.m., Knicks at Pistons (ABC) – Knicks lead series 2-1
• 3:30 p.m., Lakers at Timberwolves (ABC) – Timberwolves lead series 2-1
• 7 p.m., Celtics at Magic (TNT, truTV) – Celtics lead series 2-1
• 9:30 p.m., Pacers at Bucks (TNT, truTV) – Pacers lead series 2-1

For fans curious about how teams are strategizing these matchups and the impact of individual performances, don’t miss insightful takes on tactical adjustments in the playoffs as coaches push player rotations and defensive schemes to their limits.

Eastern Conference First-Round Status: Who’s Leading and What’s at Stake

The East is a hotbed of drama this postseason. Cleveland Cavaliers are running roughshod over the Miami Heat with a commanding 3-0 lead, highlighted by dominant performances and clinical execution. Miami is fighting for survival but faces a steep climb. Meanwhile, the Celtics-Magic series shows cracks despite Boston's leadership. The Knicks and Pistons are where physicality and hustle have become critical, with the pistons rattling the home-favored Knicks.

• Cavaliers vs. Heat: Cleveland up 3-0, Miami fights to force Game 4 Monday.
• Celtics vs. Magic: Celtics lead 2-1; game tonight could swing momentum.
• Knicks vs. Pistons: Knicks lead 2-1 with a tight battle on tap Sunday afternoon.
• Pacers vs. Bucks: Pacers surprising with a 2-1 lead; looking to clinch early in Milwaukee tonight.

For an in-depth perspective on key players in the Eastern Conference battles and their impact under pressure, take a look at which stars are making a difference in this postseason.

Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Timberwolves and Nuggets vs. Clippers Battles

The West’s drama is far from settled. The Oklahoma City Thunder have steamrolled Memphis in a clean sweep, showcasing how consistent execution and veteran leadership pays dividends. The Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors series is forging a tight narrative, but the Lakers-Timberwolves and Nuggets-Clippers matchups are where the fireworks await. Minnesota currently holds a 2-1 advantage over L.A., who need to lean on experience — partly dictated by veterans rocking kicks from Nike, Adidas, and Puma — to stem the tide.

• Thunder vs. Grizzlies: Thunder sweep 4-0; focus shifts to next round.
• Rockets vs. Warriors: Series tense at 1-2; Game 4 Monday on TNT.
• Lakers vs. Timberwolves: Timberwolves ahead 2-1; Game 4 today could be crucial.
• Nuggets vs. Clippers: Series tied 2-2; Game 5 looming with high stakes.

If you want to understand how playoff intensity shapes player wear and gear choices, notice how Jordan, Under Armour, Reebok, and New Era sponsorships elevate performance and confidence during these pressure-packed encounters.

How Postseason Tactics Influence NBA Playoff Outcomes and Team Rankings

Strategies evolve quickly through playoff games, with coaching minds adjusting lineups and play calls to exploit weaknesses revealed in previous contests. Depth becomes as vital as star power, and this year’s playoffs reveal how teams with solid second units, often fueled by endorsements from Gatorade and Spalding, can withstand crushing pressure moments.

• Defensive schemes: Zone defenses versus man-to-man switches driving vital stops.
• Offensive adaptability: Shifts to pace and floor spacing to exploit mismatches.
• Star utilization: Managing minutes and roles to sustain peak performance.
• Psychological edge: Importance of momentum swings and bench energy in grinders’ series.

For more insight on the unpredictability and intense moments fueling the playoffs' allure, see why playoff results defy expectations and where tension builds and breaks the fiercest matchups.

Looking Ahead: Conference Semifinals and Finals Schedule with TV Coverage

As the first round unfolds, the league is primed to shift into conference semifinals by early May—dates currently set for May 5 but flexible depending on series outcomes. Fans can expect the Conference Finals to tip off around late May, with the Eastern showdown starting May 21 and the Western beginning May 20. NBA Finals are scheduled for early June, with ABC providing extensive coverage.

• Conference Semifinals: May 5 start, possible move to May 3-4.
• Eastern Conference Finals: May 21 to early June, TNT coverage.
• Western Conference Finals: May 20 to early June, ESPN and ABC broadcasting.
• NBA Finals: Beginning June 5, all games on ABC.

Want to explore how the playoffs build legacies and define champions? Check out expert analysis on the tournament's role in legacy creation and what championship mentality looks like in the heat of the postseason on this insightful page.