DALLAS (AP) — The 2025 NBA playoffs tipped off this weekend with high-stakes matchups, but one of the most poignant moments came before the action even began.
During Wednesday’s regular-season finale between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, a video tribute played in honor of Luka Dončić, who spent his first seven seasons with the Mavericks before joining the Lakers in 2024. The Slovenian superstar watched from the bench, visibly moved by the recognition from his former home crowd.
The quest for the Larry O’Brien Trophy officially began Saturday with four Game 1 matchups:
Sunday’s slate features the remaining four series openers:
Miami and Memphis secured the final playoff berths with hard-fought play-in tournament victories on Friday. The Heat made history as the first team in the play-in era (since 2021) to win two road games en route to a postseason spot.
Saturday, April 19
Sunday, April 20
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Oklahoma City Thunder (+185) and Boston Celtics (+200) enter the playoffs as title favorites. Other contenders include:
Notably, the seventh-seeded Warriors are favored over the second-seeded Rockets in their first-round series—a potential early upset in the making.
Stat to Watch: The Milwaukee Bucks (8-0) and LA Clippers (7-0) were the only undefeated teams in April heading into the postseason—an intriguing sign for their playoff potential despite both being No. 5 seeds.
As the playoffs unfold, questions loom: Can Dončić lead the Lakers deep into the postseason? Will the Thunder’s young core deliver? And can anyone stop the Celtics’ juggernaut? The road to the Finals starts now.
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