The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue on Wednesday, April 30, with two pivotal Western Conference Game 5 matchups.
The Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves each have a chance to close out their respective series and advance to the next round.
We’ve got a wrap-up of yesterday’s games and a preview of today’s. But first, here’s the updated 2025 NBA Playoffs bracket.
Updated NBA Playoffs 2025 Bracket
Here’s the current NBA Playoffs bracket after Tuesday’s first-round games:
Tuesday, April 29 – Game 5 Recaps
Pacers 119, Bucks 118 (OT)
Pacers win series 4–1
The Indiana Pacers clinched their first-round series in dramatic fashion, edging the Milwaukee Bucks in overtime.
The Bucks led by as much as 20 in the first half and regained the lead six times in the second half and overtime. But they could not seal the deal, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s triple-double performance, posting 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists.
The Bucks were up in overtime with less than 10 seconds to go, Tyrese Haliburton brought the ball up the court and drove to the basket for a game-winning layup over Giannis.
As for Giannis, he had help this time around again from Gary Trent Jr., who put up 33 points. But his future with the Bucks is in question as trade rumors swirl.
The Pacers now move on to play the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Pistons 106, Knicks 103
Knicks lead series 3–2
Like the two previous games in this series, Game 5 between the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks was decided by a single possession. But the Knicks’ fate was perhaps decided earlier, with just under three minutes to go.
Down by two, both Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart had to exit the game due to injuries. In the Knicks’ previous wins, this would be the moment when Brunson would step up and lead the Knicks to victory.
However, he spent most of those final minutes standing near the scorer’s table with Hart, waiting for a dead-ball opportunity to check in. That only came with 27 seconds left and the Knicks down by six. A three by OG Anunoby brought the Knicks within one with seven seconds left, but it ended up being too little, too late.
The Pistons staved off elimination with a narrow win at Madison Square Garden. Cade Cunningham shot just 35% from the field, but Jalen Duren’s seven offensive rebounds proved critical. The series now heads back to Detroit.
Series Prediction: Knicks in six.
Celtics 120, Magic 89
Celtics win series 4–1
Facing elimination, the Orlando Magic actually led at halftime. But Paolo Banchero picked up three fouls in the first three minutes of the third quarter, setting the stage for a Boston Celtics takeover.
Banchero didn’t return until the start of the fourth — by then, the Celtics were up 21. His absence made all the difference.
Boston went 0-for-6 from three in the first half, then erupted for 13-of-18 in the second. The Magic had found a way to contain the Celtics — but were without their best player during the most critical stretch.
Despite the 4–1 series result, this matchup was much closer than it looked. The Magic proved two things: one, they’ll be a force next season; and two, the Celtics are beatable — especially when their three-point shot is taken away.
The Celtics now move on to the semis, where they’ll play the winner of the Knicks-Pistons series.
Nuggets 131, Clippers 115
Nuggets lead series 3–2
The Denver Nuggets dominated this game from the very start, scoring the first points and never relinquishing their lead over the LA Clippers.
The Nuggets were unstoppable from behind the arc, making 51.5% of three-point attempts. The Clippers were a solid 52.4% from the field, but a comparatively poorer from three, making 37.9% of attempts. That, along with poor shooting from the foul line (64.3%), made the difference in this game.
Nikola Jokic had his worst performance of these playoffs, scoring just 13 points — though, of course, still managing a triple-double. But it didn’t matter. Jamal Murray was on fire, scoring 43 points off 8 of 14 shooting from three, leading Denver to a pivotal Game 5 victory.
The series now returns to Los Angeles, where the Clippers will probably regroup and secure a victory.
Series Prediction: Clippers win Game 6 in LA, but Nuggets win series at home.
Wednesday, April 30 – Game 5 Previews
Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets
Warriors lead series 3–1
The Golden State Warriors aim to close out the series on the road, while the Houston Rockets look to extend their playoff run. The Warriors look undefeatable with the tandem of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
Curry actually had an off-night in the Game 4 win, but the Warriors won with scoring from unexpected places — including the 22-year-old Brandin Podziemski, who put up 26 points off 6 of 11 shooting from three.
To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Rockets will need their young core of Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson to all deliver tonight. Green scored just 8 points in the Game 4 loss.
Veteran Fred VanVleet filled the void, with 25 points. Expect Green to rebound and help secure a win for Houston at home. But this series is going back to Cali, where the Warriors will seal the deal.
Series Prediction: Warriors in 6.
Time: 7:30 PM Eastern
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
TV: TNT
Streaming: TNT app and website, Max, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV
Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers
Timberwolves lead series 3–1
It’s been an up-and-down season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. But they got it together at the right time. And that late-season momentum has continued into the playoffs, as Anthony Edwards has been nothing short of elite, averaging nearly 30 points a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in this series.
The Timberwolves are 20-5 since March 2.
Can the Lakers stop Minnesota’s run? They almost did in Game 4, leading for most of the game. This series could have easily been tied at two-all. But fatigue, it seems, got to the Lakers — LeBron James and Luka Doncic both played 46 minutes — and that contributed to some sloppy play at the game’s end.
The Lakers have it in them to get one more win. But just one more. The endurance of the 40-year-old James has its limits.
Series Prediction: Lakers win at home tonight, but Timberwolves take the series in six.
Time: 10:00 PM Eastern
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
TV: TNT
Streaming: TNT app, Max, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV
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