The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue on Wednesday, May 28, with Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Paycom Center, aiming to clinch the series and secure their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012.
Before previewing tonight’s Game 5, here’s a recap of Tuesday’s action and an updated look at the playoff bracket.
Updated 2025 NBA Playoff Bracket
The Indiana Pacers took a commanding 3–1 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals with a 130–121 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 4 on Tuesday night.
Both conference finals series are moving in parallel directions, beginning with the Pacers and Thunder coming out to 2-0 leads, followed by the Knicks and Timberwolves responding with Game 3 wins, and then Indiana and Oklahoma City winning their respective Game 4s.
The Knicks and Timberwolves find themselves on the verge of elimination in the conference finals — ironic given that the two teams completed a blockbuster trade last fall to make themselves championship contenders.
Here’s the updated NBA playoff bracket after last night’s Knicks loss:
Tuesday, May 27 – Game 4 Recap
Indiana Pacers 130, New York Knicks 121
Pacers lead the Eastern Conference Finals series 3–1
The Knicks kept pace with the Pacers despite allowing 43 points in the first quarter — their worst defensive quarter of the playoffs. But unlike Game 3, there was no late surge. New York trimmed the lead to six points in the final stretch, but the comeback fizzled.
Unforced errors were costly. Mikal Bridges missed open threes, and Josh Hart committed several turnovers — five in total. The Knicks finished with 17 turnovers, which Indiana converted into 22 fast-break points.
After the game, Hart took responsibility:
“It’s tough to win against a team like that who turns those turnovers to points. I had like 4 or 5, just stupid turnovers that…lead to easy baskets…I have to be more careful with the ball.”
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points and Karl-Anthony Towns added 24, but both were quiet in the fourth quarter, combining for just four points, as the Knicks relied more on OG Anunoby and Bridges attacking the rim. Brunson scored 11 of his points at the free throw line.
New York was outpaced again — the Pacers had 22 fast-break points to the Knicks’ 9 — but they slowed down the game in the third, earning trips to the free-throw line.
Tyrese Haliburton delivered a historic triple-double: 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds — all without a single turnover. The young point guard is making the case that he is actually underrated.
Pascal Siakam added 30 points, continuing his dominance in this series. The Knicks have no answer once he’s in the paint.
Mitchell Robinson and Hart battled on the offensive glass, grabbing 5 and 4 offensive rebounds, respectively, but many of those chances led to empty possessions.
Defense remained a bright spot in moments. Delon Wright played just nine minutes but was a +11, providing valuable pressure and composure, despite making a costly turnover.
The Knicks are on the brink of elimination and will return to Madison Square Garden for Game 5. To extend the series, they’ll need to find a way to slow the pace and protect the ball.
Series Prediction: Pacers in six.
Next Game: Thursday, May 29, 8:00 PM Eastern – Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Wednesday, May 28 – Game 5 Preview
Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder
Thunder lead the Western Conference Finals series 3–1
The Thunder are on the brink of their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012 after a thrilling 128–126 victory over the Timberwolves in Game 4.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with a playoff career-high 40 points, adding 10 rebounds and 9 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. Jalen Williams contributed 34 points on 13-of-24 shooting, including 6-of-9 from three-point range, while Chet Holmgren added 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Despite the loss, the Timberwolves had notable performances from Nickeil Alexander-Walker (23 points), Jaden McDaniels (22 points), and Donte DiVincenzo (21 points). However, turnovers plagued Minnesota, committing 21 to Oklahoma City’s 14, which proved decisive in the close contest. And their two stars, Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle were non-factors. Edwards scored just 16 points, while Randle was simply dismal — ending with just 5 points.
Game 5 will be critical for the Timberwolves to stay alive in the series. But it will also be a test of their young leader, Edwards, and how he responds to a moment like this.
Last year, Edwards and the Timberwolves fell to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals 4-1. Three of those games were decided by five points or less. It’s a bit of a deja vu moment for Minnesota. Will they break the cycle or repeat last year’s exit?
Expect Minnesota to win on the road tonight, with Edwards rising to the challenge and a supporting cast continuing with the rhythm they found in Game 4. The Timberwolves will likely survive to see another game. But just one more game.
Game Prediction: Timberwolves win by 3.
Series Prediction: Thunder in six.
Time: 8:30 PM Eastern
Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app and website, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV
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