NBA Play-In Tournament 2025: Schedule and Key Matchups
The 2025 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament is set to tip off on April 15, featuring intense matchups that will determine the final playoff seeds in both the Eastern and western Conferences. Here’s a look at the schedule and what’s at stake.
SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament Schedule
All times are Eastern Time (ET).
Tuesday, April 15
- Eastern Conference: Atlanta Hawks (8) vs.Orlando magic (7) | 7:30 PM ET, TNT
- Winner advances to the playoffs as the East No. 7 seed.
- Western Conference: memphis Grizzlies (8) vs.Golden State Warriors (7) | 10:00 PM ET,TNT
- Winner advances to the playoffs as the West No. 7 seed.
Wednesday, April 16
- Eastern Conference: Miami Heat (10) vs. Chicago Bulls (9) | 7:30 PM ET, ESPN
- Western Conference: Dallas Mavericks (10) vs. Sacramento Kings (9) | 10:00 PM ET, ESPN
Friday, April 18
- Eastern Conference: East 9/10 Winner vs. East 7/8 Loser | TBD,TNT
- Winner advances to the playoffs as the East No. 8 seed.
- Western Conference: West 9/10 Winner vs. West 7/8 loser | TBD, ESPN
- Winner advances to the playoffs as the West No. 8 seed.
What’s at Stake?
The Play-In Tournament offers a high-stakes, win-or-go-home scenario for teams battling for a playoff berth. The winners of the initial games on April 15 will secure the coveted No. 7 seeds in their respective conferences, while the losers will face another crucial game on April 18 against the winners of the 9 vs. 10 matchups. Only two teams from each conference will advance to the full NBA Playoffs.
The tournament promises thrilling basketball action and intense competition as teams fight for their chance at a championship run.
2025 NBA Playoffs First Round Schedule: Key Matchups and Dates
The 2025 NBA Playoffs Presented by Google are set to tip off, with the first-round schedule now available. Here’s a breakdown of the eastern Conference matchups and key dates:
Eastern Conference First Round: Key Matchups
All times are Eastern Standard Time.
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) TBD
- Game 1: TBD at Cavaliers (Sun. April 20, TBD)
- Game 2: TBD at Cavaliers (TBD)
- Game 3: Cavaliers at TBD (TBD)
- Game 4: Cavaliers at TBD (TBD)
- Game 5: TBD at Cavaliers (TBD)*
- Game 6: Cavaliers at TBD (TBD)*
- Game 7: TBD at Cavaliers (TBD)*
Series tied 0-0.*if necesary
(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) TBD
- Game 1: TBD at Celtics (Sun. April 20,TBD)
- Game 2: TBD at Celtics (TBD)
- Game 3: Celtics at TBD (TBD)
- Game 4: Celtics at TBD (TBD)
- Game 5: TBD at Celtics (TBD)*
- Game 6: Celtics at TBD (TBD)*
- Game 7: TBD at Celtics (TBD)*
Series tied 0-0. *if necessary
(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons
- Game 1: pistons at Knicks (Sat. April 19,6 ET,ESPN)
- Game 2: Pistons at Knicks (TBD)
- game 3: Knicks at Pistons (TBD)
- Game 4: Knicks at Pistons (TBD)
- Game 5: Pistons at Knicks (TBD)*
- Game 6: Knicks at Pistons (TBD)*
- Game 7: pistons at Knicks (TBD)*
Series tied 0-0. *if necessary
(4) Milwaukee vs. (5) Orlando
- Game 1: magic at Bucks (Sat. April 19, 1 ET, ESPN)
- Game 2: Magic at Bucks (TBD)
- game 3: bucks at Magic (TBD)
- Game 4: Bucks at Magic (TBD)
- Game 5: Magics at Bucks (TBD)*
- Game 6: Bucks at Magic (TBD)*
- Game 7: Magic at Bucks (TBD)*
series tied 0-0. *if necessary
NBA Playoffs 2025: First Round Matchups and Schedule
The 2025 NBA playoffs are set to tip off on April 19, promising a thrilling series of matchups as teams battle for the championship title. Here’s a look at the first-round schedule, including confirmed games and potential matchups.
Eastern Conference First Round
(1) Boston vs. (8) Atlanta
- Game 1: Hawks at Celtics (Sat. April 19, 3 PM ET, ABC)
- Game 2: Hawks at Celtics (TBD)
- Game 3: Celtics at Hawks (TBD)
- Game 4: Celtics at Hawks (TBD)
- Game 5: Hawks at Celtics (TBD)*
- Game 6: Celtics at Hawks (TBD)*
- Game 7: Hawks at Celtics (TBD)*
*if necessary
Series tied 0-0
(2) Cleveland vs. (7) Detroit
- Game 1: Pistons at Cavaliers (Sun. April 20, TBD)
- Game 2: Pistons at Cavaliers (TBD)
- Game 3: Cavaliers at Pistons (TBD)
- Game 4: Cavaliers at Pistons (TBD)
- Game 5: Pistons at Cavaliers (TBD)*
- Game 6: Cavaliers at Pistons (TBD)*
- Game 7: Pistons at Cavaliers (TBD)*
*if necessary
Series tied 0-0
(3) New York vs. (6) Detroit
- Game 1: Pistons at Knicks (Sat. April 19, 5:30 PM ET, TNT)
- Game 2: Pistons at Knicks (TBD)
- Game 3: Knicks at Pistons (TBD)
- Game 4: Knicks at Pistons (TBD)
- Game 5: Pistons at Knicks (TBD)*
- Game 6: Knicks at Pistons (TBD)*
- Game 7: Pistons at Knicks (TBD)*
*if necessary
series tied 0-0
(4) Indiana vs. (5) Milwaukee
- Game 1: Bucks at Pacers (Sat. April 19, 1 PM ET, ESPN)
- Game 2: Bucks at Pacers (TBD)
- Game 3: Pacers at Bucks (TBD)
- Game 4: Pacers at Bucks (TBD)
- Game 5: Bucks at Pacers (TBD)*
- Game 6: Pacers at Bucks (TBD)*
- Game 7: Bucks at pacers (TBD)*
*if necessary
Series tied 0-0
Western Conference First Round
All times Eastern Standard Time
(1) Oklahoma City vs. (8) TBD
- Game 1: TBD at Thunder (Sun.April 20, TBD)
- Game 2: TBD at Thunder (TBD)
- Game 3: Thunder at TBD (TBD)
- Game 4: Thunder at TBD (TBD)
- Game 5: TBD at Thunder (TBD)*
- Game 6: Thunder at TBD (TBD)*
- Game 7: TBD at Thunder (TBD)*
*if necessary
Series tied 0-0
(2) Houston vs. (7) TBD
- Game 1: TBD at Rockets (Sun. April 20, TBD)
- Game 2: TBD at Rockets (TBD)
- Game 3: Rockets at TBD (TBD)
- Game 4: Rockets at TBD (TBD)
- Game 5: TBD at Rockets (TBD)*
- Game 6: Rockets at TBD (TBD)*
- Game 7: TBD at Rockets (TBD)*
*if necessary
Series tied 0-0
(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota
- Game 1: Timberwolves at Lakers (Sat. April 19, 8:30 PM ET, ABC)
- Game 2: Timberwolves at Lakers (TBD)
- Game 3: Lakers at Timberwolves (TBD)
- Game 4: Lakers at Timberwolves (TBD)
- game 5: Timberwolves at Lakers (TBD)*
- Game 6: Lakers at Timberwolves (TBD)*
- game 7: Timberwolves at Lakers (TBD)*
*if necessary
Series tied 0-0
(4) Dallas vs. (5) Phoenix
- Game 1: Suns at Mavericks (Sat. April 19, TBD)
- Game 2: Suns at Mavericks (TBD)
- Game 3: Mavericks at Suns (TBD)
- game 4: Mavericks at Suns (TBD)
- Game 5: Suns at Mavericks (TBD)*
- Game 6: Mavericks at Suns (TBD)*
- Game 7: suns at Mavericks (TBD)*
*if necessary
Series tied 0-0
2025 NBA Playoffs: First Round Matchups and Key Dates
The 2025 NBA Playoffs are set to tip off, promising weeks of intense competition. Here’s a look at the first-round matchups in the Western Conference and the crucial dates to mark on your calendar as teams battle for the championship.
Western Conference First Round: Series Schedules
The first round is already underway with series tied 0-0. Here’s a breakdown of two Western Conference matchups:
(3) Sacramento Kings vs. (6) Golden State Warriors
- Game 1: Warriors at Kings (TBD)
- Game 2: Warriors at Kings (TBD)
- Game 3: Kings at Warriors (TBD)
- game 4: Kings at Warriors (TBD)
- Game 5: Warriors at Kings (TBD)*
- Game 6: kings at Warriors (TBD)*
- Game 7: Warriors at Kings (TBD)*
*if necessary
(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) LA Clippers
- Game 1: Clippers at Nuggets (sat. April 19, 3:30 ET, ESPN)
- Game 2: Clippers at Nuggets (TBD)
- Game 3: Nuggets at Clippers (TBD)
- Game 4: nuggets at Clippers (TBD)
- Game 5: Clippers at Nuggets (TBD)*
- Game 6: nuggets at Clippers (TBD)*
- Game 7: Clippers at Nuggets (TBD)*
*if necessary
key Dates: Conference Semifinals and Finals
The conference semifinals are scheduled to begin May 5-6, potentially moving up to May 3-4 depending on how quickly the first-round series conclude.
The conference finals will then tip off on May 20-21, with the possibility of an earlier start on May 18-19.
- May 20: Western Conference Finals – Game 1 on ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET (possible series move up to May 18)
- May 21: Eastern Conference Finals – Game 1 on TNT, 8 p.m. ET (possible series move up to May 19)
- May 22: Western Conference Finals – Game 2 on ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET
- May 23: Eastern Conference Finals – Game 2 on TNT, 8 p.m. ET
- May 24: Western Conference Finals – Game 3 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET
- May 25: Eastern Conference Finals – Game 3 on TNT, 8 p.m. ET
- May 26: Western Conference Finals – Game 4 on ESPN, 8:30 p.m.ET
- May 27: Eastern Conference Finals – Game 4 on TNT,8 p.m. ET
- May 28: Western Conference Finals – Game 5 on ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)
- May 29: Eastern Conference Finals – Game 5 on TNT, 8 p.m. ET (if necessary)
- May 30: Western Conference Finals – Game 6 on ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)
- May 31: eastern Conference Finals – Game 6 on TNT, 8 p.m. ET (if necessary)
- June 1: Western Conference Finals – Game 7 on ESPN, 8 p.m. ET (if necessary)
- June 2: Eastern Conference Finals – Game 7 on TNT, 8 p.m. ET (if necessary)
NBA Finals: The Ultimate Stage
The 2025 NBA Finals are slated to begin on June 5, broadcast on ABC. The Eastern and Western Conference champions will then compete for the title.
NBA Finals 2025 Schedule Set: ABC to Broadcast Championship Series
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced the schedule for the 2025 NBA finals, with all games to be broadcast exclusively on ABC. The championship series, presented by YouTube TV, is set to tip off on June 5, 2025, promising high-stakes matchups and thrilling basketball action.
Key Dates for the 2025 NBA Finals
Basketball fans can mark their calendars for the following dates, with all games scheduled to air on ABC:
- June 5: Game 1
- June 8: game 2
- June 11: Game 3
- June 13: Game 4
- June 16: Game 5 (if necessary)
- June 19: Game 6 (if necessary)
- June 22: Game 7 (if necessary)
The NBA Finals represent the culmination of the 2024-25 NBA season, pitting the champions of the Eastern and Western Conferences against each other in a best-of-seven series. As always, anticipation is high as teams battle for the coveted Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
ABC to Provide Exclusive Coverage
ABC will be the exclusive broadcaster of the 2025 NBA Finals, ensuring comprehensive coverage and analysis throughout the series. Viewers can expect pre- and post-game shows, in-depth commentary, and the latest updates delivered by top NBA analysts and commentators.
Based on teh provided text, here are two Potential Audience Questions (PAA) suitable for the title ”NBA Playoff & Finals 2025: Q&A”:
NBA Playoff & Finals 2025: Q&A
Play-In Tournament
What is the NBA Play-In Tournament?
It’s a mini-tournament before the actual playoffs. The teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference compete for the final two playoff spots.
When and where dose the Play-In Tournament take place?
The Play-In Tournament starts on April 15, 2025.Games are played at the home arenas of the higher-seeded teams.
Which teams are in the Play-In Tournament in 2025?
the article lists specific matchups like Atlanta Hawks vs.Orlando Magic, and Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors. The remaining teams depend on their ranking after the regular season.
What are the stakes for the Play-In tournament?
The winners of the 7 vs.8 games get the 7th seed in the playoffs. The losers of those games play against the winners of the 9 vs. 10 games for the 8th seed.
Playoffs First Round
When do the 2025 NBA Playoffs begin?
The first round is scheduled to start on April 19, 2025.
What are the Eastern Conference First Round matchups?
Confirmed matchups include: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. TBD, Boston Celtics vs. TBD,New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons, and Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic.
What are the Western Conference First Round matchups?
Confirmed matchups include: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. TBD, Houston rockets vs. TBD, los Angeles Lakers vs.Minnesota Timberwolves, and Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns.
How many games are in the first round of the playoffs?
Each series in the first round is a best-of-seven series.
Playoffs: Conference Semifinals and Finals
When do the Conference Semifinals begin?
The Conference Semifinals are scheduled to begin around May 5-6, and might potentially be adjusted to May 3-4.
When do the Conference Finals begin?
The Conference Finals are scheduled to begin around May 20-21, and might potentially be adjusted to May 18-19.
Where can I watch the conference finals?
the Conference Finals are scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN and TNT.
NBA Finals
When does the 2025 NBA Finals begin?
The 2025 NBA Finals begin on June 5, 2025.
Where can I watch the NBA Finals?
The NBA Finals will be broadcast exclusively on ABC.
What is the format of the NBA Finals?
The NBA Finals is a best-of-seven series between the champions of the eastern and Western Conferences.
What is the prize for winning the NBA Finals?
The winning team receives the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy and the title of NBA Champion.
Stay tuned for the thrilling action of the 2025 NBA Playoffs and Finals. don’t miss a moment of the championship chase.
