The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs begins after an exciting first round with series sweeps and Game 7s. The Eastern Conference features top seeds Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers, with Cleveland sweeping Miami Heat and preparing to face Indiana, who knocked out Milwaukee Bucks. The Cavaliers lead the series offensively, with Tyrese Haliburton expected to be pivotal against the Cavs' defense, especially if Darius Garland remains injured. Experts favor the Cavaliers in five or six games. In the Knicks vs. Celtics series, Boston is heavily favored to win in five or six games, with key players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge. The series is expected to be intense but ultimately favor Boston's offensive and defensive strength. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors are competing. The Nuggets, after defeating the Clippers in a tough series, face the league-best Thunder, with predictions varying from Denver winning in five games to a potential upset by OKC. The Timberwolves and Warriors face off in a highly competitive series, with experts predicting a long battle. Notably, MVP candidates Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are set to face off, with Jokic needing to be a decisive factor for Denver. The playoffs continue with scheduled games, including Pacers vs. Cavaliers and Warriors vs. Rockets, with the overall outlook indicating tight matchups and potential for upsets. Recent news includes the firing of Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, driven by the team's underperformance, and speculation about coaching replacements. The playoff bracket is evolving, with the Nuggets eliminating the Clippers and advancing, while the Knicks' coaching change marks a significant shift in the East. Overall, the second round promises intense competition, strategic battles, and possible surprises, with expert predictions leaning toward favored teams but acknowledging the potential for upsets.