2025 NBA Awards Predictions: Betting Favorites or the Field
Can MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander win his first MVP or will Jokic upset the favorite and win his fourth?
We are in the final days of the NBA season, and focus is shifting to the playoff race. The postseason standings are constantly changing, and each win or loss could significantly impact a team’s chances during the playoffs.
Several teams have already clinched their spots in the playoffs, but the competition for the top positions remains intense. The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, while the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets are all vying for the remaining top four seeds. In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks have all guaranteed their playoff berths.
The top six teams from each conference hold the key to the playoffs. Their positions are crucial, as they automatically qualify for the postseason. Teams ranked from seventh to 10th will compete in the NBA play-in tournament, where every game is a make-or-break moment for a chance to advance to the playoffs.
Mark your calendars, as the NBA playoffs are just around the corner. Here are the important dates you need to know to catch all the action.
When is the NBA play-in tournament?
The play-in tournament will take place from April 15 to April 18, where seeds 7 through 10 will compete in a tournament-style format for a chance to advance to the NBA playoffs.
When do the NBA playoffs begin?
The first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs starts on April 19. Here are the key dates for the playoffs:
- April 15: NBA play-in tournament begins
- April 19: NBA playoffs begin
- May 5-6: Conference semifinals begin
- May 20: Western conference finals begin
- May 21: Eastern conference finals begin
- June 5: NBA Finals begin
