2025 NBA Playoffs: Bracket Update, Thursday’s Game Predictions

The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue on Thursday, May 15, with a pivotal Game 6 in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Denver Nuggets host the Oklahoma City Thunder, aiming to stave off elimination and force a Game 7.

Before previewing tonight’s game, here’s a look back at Wednesday’s action and the updated playoff bracket.

Updated 2025 NBA Playoffs Bracket

The Boston Celtics live to see another day after their commanding Game 5 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday, while the Minnesota Timberwolves return to the Western Conference Finals after eliminating the Golden State Warriors.

Here’s what the 2025 NBA Playoffs bracket looks like after Wednesday’s games:

Wednesday, May 14 – Game Recaps

Boston Celtics 127, New York Knicks 102

Knicks lead series 3–2

The Knicks fell to the Celtics in Game 5 for a familiar reason: they couldn’t defend the three. Boston shot 44.9% from beyond the arc, powered by Derrick White, who hit 7-of-13 from deep and led all scorers with 34 points in nearly 40 minutes of play.

But arguably the biggest impact player on the floor wasn’t a scorer — it was Luke Kornet. Stepping in after Kristaps Porziņģis exited early in the second quarter and didn’t return, Kornet protected the rim with seven blocks, added nine rebounds, and finished the night with a +20 plus-minus in just 30 minutes.

Jaylen Brown chipped in 26 points on an efficient 9-of-17 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three.

Boston’s offense, even without Jayson Tatum, ran smoothly thanks to its signature rapid ball movement and spacing, leaving Knicks defenders scrambling on rotations and often caught leaving shooters wide open or already locked and loaded.

Payton Pritchard — one of six Celtics who finished in double digits — was a thorn in New York’s side, hitting five threes on 5-of-14 from deep, disrupting the Knicks’ momentum despite his inefficiency.

The Knicks, meanwhile, shot just 35.8% from the field (29-of-81) and finished with only 28 rebounds. With so many missed shots, they struggled to generate second-chance points. Josh Hart, despite getting bloodied early in the game by Kornet, led New York with 24 points on 5-of-9 from three, but only managed one offensive rebound.

Foul trouble plagued New York’s key players. Karl-Anthony Towns had only 10 points through three quarters and picked up four fouls. Jalen Brunson was hit with his fifth foul with 2:45 left in the third quarter and was subbed out.

Down by 19 entering the fourth, coach Tom Thibodeau rolled the dice by putting Brunson back in — but he fouled out with 7:19 left in the game and the Knicks trailing by 21.

OG Anunoby had another rough night, scoring six points in 36 minutes while shooting just 1-of-11 through the first three quarters. Mikal Bridges struggled too, going 4-of-14 from the field and finishing with only nine points.

One bright spot for New York: Mitchell Robinson was a perfect 6-of-6 on all of his line-drive free-throw attempts.

Boston now forces a Game 6 at Madison Square Garden. Expect this one to be close, but with the Knicks closing it out at home.

Series Prediction: Knicks in six.

Next Game: Friday, May 16, 7:00 PM Eastern — Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Minnesota Timberwolves 121, Golden State Warriors 110

Timberwolves win series 4–1

The Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year with a 121–110 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 5.

Julius Randle led the way with 29 points on 13-of-18 shooting, along with eight rebounds and five assists. Anthony Edwards added 22 points and 12 assists, running Minnesota’s offense with confidence. But he committed seven of the T-Wolves’ 20 turnovers.

But that sloppy play didn’t matter as the Timberwolves shot 63% from the field and held the Warriors to just 43% shooting. Their dominance in the paint — outscoring Golden State 72–48 — helped them control the game. A late 17–4 Warriors run in the fourth wasn’t enough.

Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with a playoff career-high 28 points, while Jonathan Kuminga scored 26 off the bench.

Kuminga has stepped up his play in the absence of Stephen Curry. But Jimmy Butler was once again inconsistent, scoring only 17 points on 4 of 11 shooting.

Minnesota now awaits the winner of the Nuggets-Thunder series.

Thursday, May 15 – Game Preview

Oklahoma City Thunder at Denver Nuggets

Thunder lead series 3–2

The Nuggets are in must-win mode as they host the Thunder in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Nikola Jokić has been stellar all series, though with diminished efficiency due to OKC’s tough interior defense.

Jokić reversed that trend in Game 5, finishing with 44 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals on 17-of-25 shooting from the field. But he’s going to need a lot more help from his supporting cast beyond Jamal Murray. Aaron Gordon has been clutch throughout the postseason, but we need to step up his scoring tonight.

Now, the Nuggets don’t go deep into their bench and are overly reliant on its big two to score. In Game Five, Denver’s bench combined for just 10 points, while Oklahoma City’s reserves put up 22.

The biggest laggards for the Nuggets are Michael Porter Jr. and Russell Westbrook. Porter Jr. has had numerous games in this series in which he scored just a single field goal and roughly 30 minutes of play.

If he and Westbrook can score in the double digits, and the Nuggets have a chance today to force a Game 7.

Expect Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to have another big night, with 30-plus points. But Denver has fought throughout this postseason and they’re unlikely to let their run end at home.

Jokić likely have a blockbuster night leading the Nuggets to a thin-margin victory, though the Thunder will take game seven.

Series Prediction: Thunder in seven.

Time: 8:30 PM Eastern

Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO

TV: ESPN

Streaming: ESPN app and website, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV