Round two – otherwise known as the NBA conference semi-finals – is set to start this weekend (May 4th) when the Eastern Conference’s Cleveland Cavaliers face the Indiana Pacers. Four teams are still fighting for the last two spots in the West. Here’s who’s in for the conference semi-finals as of May 1.:
◾ New York Knicks advanced to the Eastern conference semi-finals after defeating the Detroit Pistons 4-2. They will face the Boston Celtics who defeated the Orlando Magic in five games.
◾ After sweeping the Miami Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have the NBA’s top offensive rating with 121.0 points per 100 possessions, are on the other half of the Eastern bracket. They will host the Indiana Pacers in Game 1, scheduled to begin May 4.
◾ The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 and are awaiting to see the winners of the Golden State Warriors–Houston Rockets series. The Warriors lead 3-2.
◾ The Oklahoma City Thunder, who swept the Memphis Grizzlies, were the only team to finish in the top three in defensive rating (first) and offensive rating (third). They will face the winners of the Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers series. That series is tied 3-3.
Here’s a look at the 2025 NBA playoff conference semi-finals bracket
As of May 2, 1 p.m. ET
2025 NBA playoffs conference semi-finals schedule
Detail are still to be determined on the full schedule but here’s an early look at the conference semi-finals series:
* = if necessary
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
- Game 1: Pacers at Cavaliers | Sun. May 4 | TBD
- Game 2: Pacers at Cavaliers | Tue. May 6 | TBD
- Game 3: Cavaliers at Pacers | Fri. May 9 | TBD
- Game 4: Cavaliers at Pacers | Sun. May 11 | TBD
- Game 5: Pacers at Cavaliers | Tue. May 13 |TBD*
- Game 6: Cavaliers at Pacers | Thu. May 15 | TBD*
- Game 7: Pacers at Cavaliers | Sun. May 18 | TBD*
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
- Game 1: Knicks at Celtics | Mon. May 5 | TBD
- Game 2: Knicks at Celtics | Wed. May 7 | TBD
- Game 3: Celtics at Knicks | Sat. May 10 |TBD
- Game 4: Celtics at Knicks | Mon. May 12 | TBD
- Game 5: Knicks at Celtics | Wed. May 14 | TBD*
- Game 6: Celtics at Knicks | Fri. May 16 | TBD*
- Game 7: Knicks at Celtics | Mon. May 19 | TBD*
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets or Los Angeles Clippers
Dates and times yet to be announced.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets
Dates and times yet to be announced.
