The 2025 NBA Playoffs have reached an exciting milestone as Round 1 concludes, highlighted by the Golden State Warriors’ hard-fought victory over the Houston Rockets, clinching the series in Game 7 with a score of 103-89. This win propels the Warriors forward into the highly anticipated Round 2.
As it stands, the Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as the favorites for the championship at BetMGM, with odds of +125, closely followed by the Boston Celtics at +325 and the Cleveland Cavaliers at +900. According to Thomas Gable, sportsbook director at the Borgata in Atlantic City, the playoff atmosphere significantly boosts betting activity, contrasting with the regular season where irregular player management can dampen interest. “The playoffs are a totally different story,” Gable stated, emphasizing the heightened excitement and engagement surrounding the playoff games.
The updated series prices for Round 2 of the playoffs reveal some intriguing matchups:
In the Eastern Conference, the No. 4 Indiana Pacers hold a commanding lead over the No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers, leading the series 2-0. Conversely, the No. 2 Boston Celtics find themselves in a challenging spot, as they are narrowly trailing the No. 3 New York Knicks, who are up 2-0.
In the Western Conference, the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder and No. 4 Denver Nuggets are currently tied at 1-1, setting the stage for a competitive series. The No. 7 Golden State Warriors are also locked in a close battle against the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves, with that series also tied at 1-1.
Reflecting on Round 1, several teams showcased impressive performances. The Cleveland Cavaliers swept the Miami Heat, winning 4-0, while the Boston Celtics triumphed over the Orlando Magic 4-1. The New York Knicks bested the Detroit Pistons with a 4-2 series win, and the Indiana Pacers overcame the Milwaukee Bucks 4-1. In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors made notable advances, winning their respective series against the Memphis Grizzlies (4-0) and the Rockets (4-3). The Minnesota Timberwolves also advanced, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1, while Denver edged out the Los Angeles Clippers in a thrilling 4-3 series.
As the playoffs continue, basketball fans can anticipate more thrilling moments and upsets, with teams striving for glory in this year’s postseason.