After Sunday’s four Game 4s on Sunday, Round 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs continues Monday with two games this evening, with the Cleveland Cavaliers looking to sweep their series against the Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors aiming to extend their lead over the Houston Rockets to three games to one.
Today’s matchups follow a pretty intense set of games yesterday — two of which were decided by a single possession.
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 Sunday’s first-round games:
Sunday, April 27 – Game 4 Recaps
Knicks 94, Pistons 93
Knicks lead series 3–1
The New York Knicks prevailed in a brutal matchup that echoed the physicality of the 1980s and 1990s.
The Knicks got off to a hot start, leading by as much as 16 in the second quarter. They saw their lead slip away in the third and fell behind by as much as 11 in the fourth as Jalen Brunson exited the game with what looked to be a severe ankle injury.
But Brunson returned and the Knicks bounced back, tying the game with four minutes to go. The Knicks’ captain had yet another 30-point game. But it was Karl-Anthony Towns who hit two key back-to-back shots in the final minutes that won the game for New York. The first, an impossible turnaround fadeaway with a minute-and-a-half to go that put the Knicks within two. And the second, a 27-foot, step-back three with 47 seconds left to put the Knicks up by one.
Towns ended the night with 24 points. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 25 points and 10 assists.
The game ended with a controversial non-call on what looked to be a foul of Tim Hardaway Jr. by Miles McBride. But it was only one of many non-calls in a game that was loosely officiated by the refs — many of which benefited Detroit.
Series Prediction: Knicks win in six.
Next Game: Tuesday, April 29, 7:30 PM Eastern — Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Timberwolves 116, Lakers 113
Timberwolves lead series 3–1
The Minnesota Timberwolves picked the right time to get their act together — both in this postseason and in Game 4 itself. The Los Angeles Lakers led for virtually the entire game. But Minnesota stormed back at home, tying the game with 3:47 left in the fourth.
Anthony Edwards is simply unstoppable, scoring 43 points, including 16 in the fourth. Julius Randle pitched in 25.
Jaden McDaniels converted a three-point play with 39.5 seconds left for the lead and then stole the ensuing inbounds pass from LeBron James, effectively sealing the deal, who then made a costly foul of Edwards with 11 seconds to go.
The Lakers’ starters had a pretty robust offensive performance, with Luka Doncic leading the way with 38 points and James following with 27. Both played roughly 46 minutes each in last night’s game and showed signs of fatigue. The Timberwolves have youth on their side.
Series Prediction: Timberwolves in six.
Next Game: Wednesday, April 30, 10:00 PM Eastern — Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Celtics 107, Magic 98
Celtics lead series 3–1
The Boston Celtics beat the Orlando Magic in a battle between the NBA’s top tandem of today and what might be its top tandem of tomorrow.
Jayson Tatum led with 37 points and 14 rebounds. Jaylen Brown added 21 points and 11 rebounds. But they had a lot of help from the supporting cast, including Kristaps Porzingis, who scored 19 points in an efficient 22 minutes.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 29 points. Franz Wagner pitched in with 24.
Series Prediction: Celtics win in 5.
Next Game: Tuesday, April 29, 8:30 PM Eastern — TD Garden, Boston, MA
Pacers 129, Bucks 103
Pacers lead series 3–1
The Indiana Pacers dominated the Milwaukee Bucks 129–103, taking a 3–1 series lead. There were zero lead changes in the game. The Pacers led from the very first scoring possession, thanks to 60.2% shooting from the field, including 46.2% from three. Eight Pacers scored in double digits.
But Indiana’s defense was also stifling, particularly in the interior, with Miles Turner recording four of the team’s seven blocks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 28 points and 15 rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr. followed with 23. But the exit of Damian Lillard six minutes into the game on what may be a season-ending Achilles’ injury effectively sealed Milwaukee’s fate.
Series Prediction: Indiana in five.
Next Game: Tuesday, April 29, 6:00 PM Eastern — Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Monday, April 28 – Game 4 Preview
Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat
Cavaliers lead series 3–0
The Cleveland Cavaliers aim to complete a first-round sweep against the Miami Heat. The Cavaliers demolished the Heat in Miami in Game 3, with a 37-point victory.
Tonight’s game might not end with the big margin, as Kenny Atkinson would be wise to give his starters some more time on the bench to conserve their energy for a deep playoff run. But the end result is almost certain to be a Cavaliers victory.
Series Prediction: Cavs sweep.
Time: 7:30 PM Eastern
Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
TV: TNT
Streaming: TNT app and website, Max, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors
Warriors lead series 2–1
The Golden State Warriors look to take a 3–1 series lead over the Houston Rockets.
The Warriors crossed a critical psychological threshold, proving they can win without Jimmy Butler, who remains questionable for tonight’s game.
Stephen Curry was electric in Game 3, scoring 36 points off 12 of 23 shooting from he field. But don’t underestimate Houston’s Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. They still have one more win in them. Maybe not tonight. But they can at win Game 5 at home.
Series Prediction: Warriors in six.
Time: 10:00 PM Eastern
Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
TV: TNT
Streaming: TNT app and website, Max, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV
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