Overview of the 2025 NBA Playoffs Second Round Predictions and Odds

Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland CavaliersSeries Odds and Prediction

After easily defeating the Miami Heat in the opening round, the Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18) are set as strong favorites against the Indiana Pacers (50-32). The Pacers managed to secure a surprising 121-112 victory in Cleveland, yet oddsmakers still have their doubts.

Presently, with odds set at -225, the Cavaliers have a solid 69.2% implied likelihood of winning the series despite a loss in Game 1 . Before the series began, the Cavaliers had odds of -500, reflecting an 83.3% chance of victory. Even with this drop, the latest NBA Playoffs second round odds suggest that the Cavaliers are still firmly in control.

Having topped the Eastern Conference with a record of 64-18, the Cavaliers outpaced the Boston Celtics by three games. Their swift five-game series against the Heat demonstrated their capabilities, leading me to believe the Pacers will face significant challenges in this matchup.

This matchup is unfavorable for the Pacers, who are unlikely to respond well against the formidable defense of the Cavaliers. While the Pacers excel against high-scoring teams with defensive weaknesses, they are up against a balanced Cavaliers squad that poses problems for Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.

Expect the Cavaliers to make necessary adjustments and stifle the Pacers' fast-paced offense after their disappointing Game 1 showing, where they averaged 122.1 points per game during the first round. Star players like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are leading a powerful starting lineup with solid contributions from Ty Jerome and De'Andre Hunter off the bench—who was acquired at the trade deadline to bolster their depth.

It's called balance. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/wvExOXheKY

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 1, 2025

The Cavaliers lead the NBA In every area where the Pacers excel, the Cavaliers outperform them. Indiana's defense, ranked 17th, could become their undoing against such a well-rounded and tactically sound team as the Cavaliers. Although Cleveland faltered defensively in their first game, I anticipate they will tighten up in Game 2.

The odds of -500 for the Cavaliers to win the series lacked value; however, the Game 1 loss presents a more appealing betting opportunity at -225. I expect the Cavaliers to bounce back decisively, making them a worthwhile selection in your picks for the 2025 NBA second round!

After a challenging series with the Detroit Pistons, the New York Knicks (51-31) will now face a significantly more formidable opponent in the Boston Celtics (61-21) during the second round. They were mere seconds away from forcing a Game 7—if not for a crucial non-call at a pivotal moment in the series, the Pistons might have prevailed!

New York Knicks vs. Boston CelticsSeries Odds and Prediction

The Knicks had a commendable regular season record of 51-31, but they struggled against the league's top teams, ending the season 0-10 against teams with 60 or more victories. For a team that entered the season with lofty aspirations, they've padded their win total against many lackluster opponents.

This upcoming series against the Celtics promises to be tough, especially since the Celtics have thoroughly dominated them this season. The Celtics went 4-0 against the Knicks in the regular season, having bested them 4-1 the previous year, winning by an average margin of 16.25 points per game.

Whenever the Celtics play the Knicks, they seem to channel the unstoppable force of the 2016 Warriors 😭

Looking at the overall performance this season, the Celtics scored an average of 115.7 points per game while the Knicks were not far behind with 115.3. However, the significant difference lies in their defenses; the Celtics allowed only 106.4 points per game, which is the second-best in the league, while the Knicks ranked ninth with 111.3 points surrendered per game. pic.twitter.com/4fBstakL6n

— Playoff BOS (@PlayoffBOS) May 3, 2025

The Knicks appeared worn out trying to keep pace with the Pistons, and that could be an even larger obstacle when facing the defending champions! The Celtics, with odds at -850, boast an impressive 89.5% implied probability of winning—though those odds may seem high, I'm predicting a Celtics win in five games for my 2025 NBA second round forecasts.

Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Although the Denver Nuggets (50-32) possess star players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, they are seen as considerable underdogs to the Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14)! The Thunder have an 86.7% chance of defeating the Nuggets and moving on to the Western Conference Finals.Series Odds and Prediction

The Thunder are currently favored to secure the NBA Championship this season, but first, they must overcome a Nuggets team that faced little support in the last round. Denver was the underdog in their matchup versus the Clippers but triumphed in a blowout Game 7.

The challenge for the Nuggets lies in their lack of bench depth to match the Thunder's intensity. Despite Jokic, Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. being part of the starting roster from the previous championship season, they have lost significant depth.

Nonetheless, if Russell Westbrook can contribute off the bench and ignite the team, the Nuggets might have a fair chance at pulling off the upset. This remains a dangerous offense that can have standout performances, being ranked fourth in the NBA with an average of 119.7 points scored per game and shooting over 50% from the field.

The Thunder have just a slight edge with an average of 120 points per game this season, along with a distinct advantage defensively, allowing only 107.2 points against compared to the Nuggets' 116.2. The regular season series between the Thunder and Nuggets ended in a tie, with each team winning two games.

The only other player to reach those impressive totals through the first six games of a postseason?

🃏 JOKIĆ x WILT 🃏

Joker through 6 games this playoffs:

152 PTS 71 REB 63 AST

While I expect the Thunder to eventually secure the series victory, I anticipate it will take at least six games, as Jokic should lead the Nuggets to at least two wins through extraordinary performances.

WILT CHAMBERLAIN in 1967 🤯 pic.twitter.com/t4m0vzurU8

— NBA (@NBA) May 3, 2025

The Nuggets stand at +2.5 (+100) on the series spread, while the total games in the series line sits at over 5.5 (+115). Instead of betting on the series spread at +100, why not place a wager on the over at +115? Therefore, consider betting on over 5.5 series games as your top NBA second round bet.

Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

After a victorious Game 7 against the Houston Rockets, the Golden State Warriors (48-34) are eager to advance to the Western Conference Finals! They'll face off against a Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33) team riding a wave of momentum after their five-game triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Timberwolves are favored to win the series, with a 64.3% implied probability! Series Odds and Prediction

This season has been less impressive for the Timberwolves compared to last year's remarkable performance in the regular season. However, they showcased their true competitive spirit during the first round of the playoffs. Young star Anthony Edwards is emerging as a spectacular player, confidently challenging NBA legends as he carves his own path to greatness.

Anthony Edwards' last three playoff series victories:

Fans have eagerly awaited Edwards' evolution into a player capable of leading the Timberwolves deep into playoff contention, and it appears his moment has finally arrived. He shined against the Lakers, while teammates Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert played effortlessly, propelling them past LeBron James and his squad.

— Knocked out Luka and LeBron
— Knocked out Jokic and Murray
— Knocked out KD and Book

23 years old. pic.twitter.com/zzs2EPzqxZ

— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 1, 2025

While the Warriors will not easily concede victory to the Timberwolves, I foresee this matchup being more demanding than what they encountered against the Rockets. The Warriors are one of the most veteran teams in the league, having begun the season as one of the.

and have added to their age by bringing in Jimmy Butler. fourth-oldest squad After battling through seven games against the Rockets, I expect the Warriors to show signs of fatigue against the Timberwolves. Furthermore, this Warriors team lacks depth—with their bench scoring just three points in Game 7, and only Kevon Looney managed to contribute.

This does not bode well against a Timberwolves team distinguished by their sixth-ranked defensive efficiency and fifth place with 108.8 points allowed per game. I anticipate the Warriors will become exhausted and struggle to keep up.

In my estimation, the Timberwolves should advance past the Warriors in either five or six games, so back the favorites for your NBA second round betting selections!

Kyle Eve serves as the Editor-in-Chief at The Sports Geek, delivering dependable insights to millions since he joined the team in 2012. After placing his first sports bet on his 18th birthday, Kyle has dedicated his adult life to perfecting his betting skills. He has covered some of the most significant sporting events globally, including the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, and Kentucky Derby. Kyle resides in Windsor, Ontario.