The 2025 NBA Playoffs have flipped the script on what we’ve come to expect from the postseason. With the last three champions — Boston, Denver, and Golden State — all eliminated in the second round, this year’s Final Four features a refreshing twist: no dynasty, no ring-heavy rosters, and plenty of hunger.
For the seventh straight year, the league will crown a new NBA champion. Only three players across the four remaining teams — Alex Caruso (OKC), OG Anunoby (NYK), and Pascal Siakam (IND) — have ever won a title. For everyone else, this is uncharted territory.
Here’s how the remaining teams stack up heading into the Conference Finals.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (8-3 Playoffs)
Next game: Tue. vs. MIN, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
The youngest team left might also be the most poised. Oklahoma City dominated statistically in the first two rounds, boasting a league-best +13.5 net rating. Their defense has been suffocating — holding opponents well below their regular-season averages — but offensive consistency remains a concern. They shot just 32% from deep across key contributors, and the starting five struggled against Denver. Still, OKC’s bench, led by Caruso and breakout rookie Cason Wallace, has been stellar. Wallace’s +25.8 net rating leads all playoff players averaging 10+ minutes. If they solve Minnesota’s zone and keep up the defensive intensity, the Thunder might just make their first NBA Finals since relocating.
2. Indiana Pacers (8-2 Playoffs)
Next game: Wed. @ NYK, 8 p.m. ET, TNT
Indiana has been blazing offensively, posting a historic 58.3% effective field goal percentage. That said, their shot quality suggests some regression is likely, as they’ve dramatically outperformed expectations. Defensively, they’ve been anchored by Pascal Siakam, whose on-court presence has turned the Pacers into a top-tier unit. But depth is a concern — the bench was outplayed in the semis, especially with Tyrese Haliburton off the floor. The Pacers haven’t faced the Knicks since before the All-Star break, and this series could hinge on whether their shooters stay hot in a tough Madison Square Garden atmosphere.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves (8-2 Playoffs)
Next game: Tue. @ OKC, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Wolves are back in the Western Conference Finals, and they’ve been clutch, going 4-0 in tight games this postseason. Their defense has been elite, forcing turnovers and stifling two high-powered offenses in the Lakers and Warriors. Their second-half play has been particularly impressive, with a +15.6 net rating after halftime. Karl-Anthony Towns is thriving, especially inside the arc and from the line. Against OKC, the series could come down to who controls the rim — both teams rank top-two in restricted-area differential. If Towns and Rudy Gobert can win that battle, Minnesota might power through.
4. New York Knicks (8-4 Playoffs)
Next game: Wed. vs. IND, 8 p.m. ET, TNT
Don’t sleep on New York. The Knicks have defied expectations, coming back to stun Boston with grit and timely defense. Mitchell Robinson’s impact has been immense — they’re +18.1 per 100 possessions with him on the floor — especially as a ball-screen defender and rebounder. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson continues to be the offensive engine, with the Knicks scoring nearly 25 points more per 100 possessions when he’s in the game. But depth remains an issue, and they’ll need consistent shooting to outgun Indiana’s high-powered attack. Still, the Knicks are rolling, and their confidence is sky-high heading into their first East Finals in 25 years.
Conclusion:
No superteams. No easy paths. The 2025 NBA Playoffs have delivered an unpredictable, wide-open race to the Finals — and with four teams chasing history, every game from here on out could be a legacy-defining moment.
