Thrilling 2025 NBA Playoffs: Predictions for Game 7 and Beyond

The 2025 NBA playoffs have delivered a thrilling first round, especially in the Western Conference, known for its high-stakes drama throughout the season. The excitement culminates in two intense Game 7 showdowns.

The Nuggets edged past the Clippers on Saturday, securing their place in the second round. Now, all eyes turn to the Rockets and Warriors, who battle on Sunday for the last spot in the Western semis. Our NBA experts share their Game 7 predictions and look ahead to the Eastern Conference semifinal matchups.

Rockets vs. Warriors, Game 7: Who takes it?

Tom Haberstroh: Warriors. I place my faith in Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green to crack the two-big lineup that’s been problematic this series. Curry has previously extinguished the Rockets’ hopes on the road in a Game 7, and I believe he can do it again. The Warriors need both him and Buddy Hield to dominate from beyond the arc to punish the Rockets’ big lineup.

Morten Stig Jensen: Warriors. Game 7s are unpredictable, filled with countless variables. My confidence lies in Golden State’s seasoned experience, though I have my reservations. Houston’s defense is formidable, constantly challenging Curry whenever he orchestrates plays. Expect a tense showdown.

Dan Devine: Warriors. Maybe I’m a hopeless fan, but I’m betting on Golden State. The Rockets’ performance has been stellar throughout this series, yet I suspect Stephen Curry has one last heart-stopping move to deal out in Houston.

Ben Rohrbach: Warriors. I find it hard to imagine Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green succumb to three straight elimination games against a team lacking a definitive closer. The Warriors’ extensive experience is crucial in Game 7s. The momentum may be behind Houston, but my money’s on the Warriors by a slim margin.

Cavaliers vs. Pacers, Round 2: Who comes out on top?

Jensen: Cavs in 5, maybe 6. Despite Indiana’s commendable play—operating with precision like a well-oiled machine—Cleveland’s depth and offensive prowess appear overwhelming. The gap in talent and ability is significant.

Devine: Cavs in 6. Darius Garland’s toe injury adds a layer of uncertainty, especially for us long-time Pacers believers predicting Indiana’s strength. Yet, Cleveland’s historic form tips the scales in their favor.

Haberstroh: Cavs in 5. While Tyrese Haliburton’s erratic play wasn’t a liability against a weakened Milwaukee Bucks, his inconsistency might spell trouble in this series. I’m eagerly anticipating the clash between Evan Mobley and Pascal Siakam, two of the league’s most adaptable big men.

Rohrbach: Cavaliers in 6. The Pacers have exceeded expectations, proving stronger than even I assumed after their swift victory over the Bucks in five games. However, the Cavaliers present a deeper and more skilled challenge.

Celtics vs. Knicks, Round 2: Which team prevails?

Devine: Celtics in 5. This matchup is a nightmare for the Knicks—the very benchmark they aimed to reach with their offseason tweaks but continuously fell short of throughout the season.

Rohrbach: Celtics in 6. The widespread opinion predicting an easy win for the Celtics unnerves me. Jalen Brunson is remarkable, and New York’s relentless Villanova cadre never surrenders. Nonetheless, I can’t envision a scenario where Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns escape a relentless pick-and-roll attack.

Jensen: Celtics in 5. Tom Thibodeau is set to lose both the strategic and stamina battles, as the Knicks’ shallow roster faces exhaustion.