Experts' picks for Knicks-Celtics, Thunder-Nuggets and every second-round series

The 2nd circular of the 2025 NBA playoffs is underway, with 8 teams going head-to-head for a accidental to determination 1 measurement person to their title hopes.

Sunday kicks disconnected with the No. 1 effect Cleveland Cavaliers taking connected the No. 4 effect Indiana Pacers aft the Cavs swept the Miami Heat successful the archetypal round. Monday, the Eastern Conference showdowns proceed arsenic the defending champion No. 2 effect Boston Celtics big the No. 3 effect New York Knicks.

After an breathtaking seven-game series, the Denver Nuggets volition determination connected to look the No. 1 effect Oklahoma City Thunder. The No. 6 effect Minnesota Timberwolves await the victor of Game 7 betwixt the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets.

After a archetypal circular filled with sweeps and Game 7s, our NBA experts are making their picks for each second-round series.

Schedule and news | Second circular preview | Offseason guide

East 2nd round

Cleveland Cavaliers (1)
vs. Indiana Pacers (4)

Tim MacMahon: Cavaliers successful 6
Kevin Pelton: Cavaliers successful 6
Ramona Shelburne: Cavaliers successful 6
Andre Snellings: Cavaliers successful 6
Jorge Sedano: Cavaliers successful 7
Jerry Brembry: Cavaliers successful 6
Dave McMenamin: Cavaliers successful 6
Jamal Collier: Cavaliers successful 6
Chris Herring: Cavaliers successful 6
Marc Spears: Cavaliers successful 6
Jeremy Woo: Cavaliers successful 6

Final tally:
Cleveland 11, Indiana 0

Boston Celtics (2)
vs. New York Knicks (3)

Tim MacMahon: Celtics successful 6
Kevin Pelton: Celtics successful 5
Ramona Shelburne: Celtics successful 6
Andre Snellings: Celtics successful 7
Jorge Sedano: Celtics successful 6
Jerry Brembry: Celtics successful 5
Dave McMenamin: Celtics successful 7
Jamal Collier: Celtics successful 6
Chris Herring: Celtics successful 5
Marc Spears: Celtics successful 6
Jeremy Woo: Celtics successful 6

Final tally:
Boston 11, New York 0

West 2nd round

Oklahoma City Thunder (1)
vs. Denver Nuggets (4)

Kevin Pelton: Thunder successful 6
Ramona Shelburne: Thunder successful 7
Jorge Sedano: Thunder successful 6
Jerry Brembry: Thunder successful 6
Dave McMenamin: Thunder successful 6
Jamal Collier: Thunder successful 7
Chris Herring: Thunder successful 7
Marc Spears: Thunder successful 6
Jeremy Woo: Thunder successful 7

Final tally:
Oklahoma City 9, Denver 0