That happened. The Dallas Mavericks went into the desert and defeated the Phoenix Suns in Game 7 of their Western Conference Semifinals seriesby the score of 123-90.

No, we’re not close to joking. Luka Doncic had his Mavericks playing absolutely tremendous basketball. Meanwhile, Suns fans inside Footprint Center in Phoenixactually booed the team off the courtas they were heading to halftime down by 30 points.

Riding the hot hand of Mr. Doncicand a stellar performance from Spencer Dinwiddie, the Mavericks controlled this game from the get en route to setting up a Western Conference Finalsmatchup against the Golden State Warriors.

As for the Suns, it was just humiliating. The star backcourt duo of Devin Booker and Chris Paul combined for three points on 0-of-11 shooting in the first half. Below, we look at the biggest winners and losers of the Dallas Mavericks blowout 33-point victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 7 Sunday evening.

Related:2022 NBA Playoff and championship predictions

Winner: Jason Kidd had his Dallas Mavericks ready to play

We have to give Kidd credit for having his team ready to go in Game 7. Phoenix finished 42-9 at home during the regular season. It won the first three home games in this series by a combined 57 points,including a 30-point win back in Game 5.

The Mavericks knew that they were heading into a hostile environment. They were taking on a heavily-favored Suns team who boasted the best record in the NBA in the regular season and was looking for a second consecutive NBA Finals appearance.

“For the most part I don’t try to change anything for just one game. You’ve got to stay in character. The coach stays in character, the players stay in character. Everyone stays in character, and then you execute.”

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd ahead of Game 7, via team’s official website

Dallas did indeed stay in character throughout Game 7. It turned the ball over a total of 11 times. The team connected on 19-of-39 from distance. It ran the offense through Luka Doncic. Kidd had a game plan. The Mavs executed it. And the end result was a huge Game 7 win.

Related:Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul and the NBA’s highest-paid players

Loser: What in the world, Chris Paul?

Still looking for his first NBA title, most figured Paul would come to play in Game 7. While that has been an exception to the rule in the past, the future Hall of Famer has changed the narrative to an extent since joining Phoenix ahead of the 2020-21 season.

Unfortunately for CP3, this was not the case throughout the Western Conference Semifinals series. Paul, 37, entered Game 7 averaging 14.0 points and 6.0 assists in the series. Both numbers were down from the regular season.

How did he respond? By scoring all of one point in the first half. It was a direct result of stingy defense from the Mavericks and the guard’s own struggles. One point in a game that that Phoenix Suns were down by 30 at the half. One now has to wonder where Paul goes from here after his team blew a 2-0 series lead for a fifth time in his career.

Related:Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic and the NBA’s top-50 players

Winner: Luka Doncic, Spencer Dindwiddie form big two for the Dallas Mavericks

Doncic was absolutely brilliant in the first quarter, scoring 12 points and grabbing seven rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks took a 10-point lead. He was, by far, the best player on the court. It wasn’t close.

• Luka Doncic stats (Game 7):35 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 12-of-19 shooting, 6-of-11 3-point

Dallas was plus-37 in Doncic’s 30 minutes of action. He didn’t have to do any heavy lifting after matching the Suns’ entire scoring output (27 points) in the first half. We now might be witnessing a new era of NBA basketbal with Doncic as the face of the Association.

Loser: Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker comes up small

The Suns’ playoff hero from last season, Booker had played well thus far leading up to Game 7. Despite some injuries, he was averaging 24.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists on 46% shooting from distance.

Booker failed to live up to his end of the bargain. With Phoenix trailing by 40 points after three quarters, Booker found himself minus-40. He had scored all of 11 points on 3-of-13 shooting with four turnovers.

A game that saw Doncic up his performance in a big way also saw Booker choke in one of the biggest games of his career. That’s not hyperbole. And in reality, it has the Suns preparing for an offseason of change behind the star guard.

ByVincent Frank

An editor here at Sportsnaut. Contributor at Forbes. Previous bylines include Bleacher Report, Yahoo!, SB Nation. Heard on ESPN ... More aboutVincent Frank

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The 2025-25 NBA schedule has begun. Get all you need to know about the upcoming matchups on the regular season slate, as well as answers to other common questions about the new NBA schedule.

Related:NBA predictions for all 30 teams’ win-loss record this season

NBA games tonight and tomorrow

Below, you can get a look at the full slate of games for tonight’s NBA schedule.

When does the NBA season start and end?

The 2025-26 NBA season officially kicks off on Oct. 21. The regular season then runs for six months and ends on April 12, 2026.

What are the key marquee games or dates?

Besides opening night and the final day of the season, the other major dates on the NBA schedule are Christmas Day, which will feature five games, includingKnicksvs.Cavaliers. Martin Luther King Day (Jan. 19), which includes nine games, and NBA All-Star Weekend from Friday, Feb. 13 to Sunday, Feb. 15.

Related:Ranking the 50 best NBA players right now

Who is favored to win the NBA Finals in 2025?

Heading into the 2025-26 NBA schedule, the defending champion Thunder are the early favorites to repeat in the spring with+200 odds on ESPN Bet.

How many games does each team play?

Every single team in the NBA plays a total of 82 games, including 41 at home and 41 on the road.

How are the 82 games scheduled against opponents?

The NBA schedule for each team is broken into four different sections. They play four games each against the teams in their division. They play four more games apiece against six non-division teams in the conference and then three versus the other four remaining clubs in their conference. Lastly, they play all 15 teams in the other conference twice a year.

ByJason Burgos

After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More aboutJason Burgos

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The 2025-26 NBA season is underway. After a summer of additions and departures, all 30 teams have high hopes in their current campaign. As expected, there have been some fascinating surprises to begin the new season. With all of that in mind, we take a look at every club and rank the best and worst teams heading into Thanksgiving.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (LW: 1)

TheOklahoma City Thunderwere the best team in the NBA throughout last season. Posting 68 wins with elite defense and reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way. Things haven’t changed one bit in the new season.

Nearly 20 games into the new season, OKC has posted an outstanding 17-1 record, and they are again doing it with, you guessed it, the best defense in the league. Giving up five fewer points than the next best team. Plus, SGA is playing like an MVP candidate again. What’s horrifying is that they have done it while Jalen Williams has yet to play.

2. Detroit Pistons (LW: 2)

TheDetroit Pistonswere the top feel-good story in the league last season as they went from the worst team in the league to a formidable playoff squad. Well, they have now become one of the best in the NBA in year two for veteran head coach JB Bickerstaff.

Led by some high-level defense and All-NBA play from Cade Cunningham, Detroit owns the best record in the East (15-2) after the first month of the season. However, the biggest story for the Pistons in 2025-26 is the emergence of Jalen Duren. The big man posting 20 points and 11 rebounds a game has been one of the best centers in the game to begin the season.

3. Denver Nuggets (LW: 3)

When you have the best player on the planet, theDenver Nuggetswill always be a very competitive squad. Yet this season is different than recent years after shockingly firing Michael Malone late in the campaign last year and replacing him with David Adelman.

So far, Adelman has been able to maintain the high standard set by Malone, and Denver has been one of the best teams in the league to begin the season. On offense, they remain elite, and to the surprise of no one, Nikola Jokic is playing out of his mind and is averaging a triple-double after a month of play. Furthermore, Jamal Murray seems back in a groove after a down year last season.

4. Los Angeles Lakers (LW: 5)

There are big expectations for theLos Angeles Lakersthis season. They got a full training camp with young superstar Luka Doncic, and head coach JJ Redick was better than expected in a big learning curve rookie season. Plus, they still have one of the greatest players of all time in LeBron James.

The Lakers have gotten off to a nice start due to some absurd play by Austin Reaves and Doncic. He and his Slovenian teammate are top 15 in the league in scoring — Doncic leads the NBA in PPG (34.5). Things are also looking up because James is finally back on the court. Unsurprisingly, they have gotten hot since the league legend returned to action.

5. Houston Rockets (LW: 4)

TheHouston Rocketswere one of the best stories in the NBA last season, as they evolved into an elite team in the West with strong defense and the emergence of Alperen Sengun as a new star in the league. In the summer, the Rockets landed league legend Kevin Durant in a trade, but lost floor general Fred VanVleet to a season-ending injury.

Despite being without their floor leader, the Rockets are one of the best scoring teams in the game (122 PPG) because of the dynamic combo of Durant and Sengun. However, while Durant was meant to improve their defense, they have become a top team in the West over the last year because of their defense. That also remains among the best as they give up just 111 PPG.

6. Toronto Raptors (LW: 9)

If theToronto Raptorscan stay healthy, they have a team that can be a force on offense, especially with Brandon Ingram on the roster. Nevertheless, if head coach Darko Rajaković can’t get them to play solid defense, they won’t be able to make much noise out East this year.

Well, after 18 games, the Raptors are playing outstanding defense (113.4 PPG). It has made a huge difference for a team that is among the best in scoring this year as well. It is the main reason why they are the big surprise team this season and are in contention for the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

7. Miami Heat (LW: 14)

TheMiami Heatwill be drama-free this year, with the Jimmy Butler drama far behind them. In this offseason, they looked to fill that scoring void when they made a trade for All-Star Norman Powell, and he has been outstanding to begin his career in South Beach.

While their usually tough defense has struggled a bit more this year, the Heat have evolved into one of the best offensive teams in the league despite Tyler Herro having missed the entire season so far. Fortunately, youngster Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been a key part of filling the Herro scoring void. Once they are healthy, the three-headed monster of Powell, Herro, and Adebayo will be an even bigger problem in the East.

8. San Antonio Spurs (LW: 6)

The assumption at the start of the season was that the San Antonio Spurs were a team primed for a breakout season. Victor Wembanyama was back healthy from his blood clot scare — and taller. Plus, he had the best team he has ever had around him in the NBA. But no one expected him and his teammates to be this good.

Wemby is playing like an MVP candidate in year three, but De’Aaron Fox has been the All-Star-level wing man he needed. Furthermore, sophomore Stephon Castle has played well, and rookie Dylan Harper has looked good. San Antonio has been one of the NBA’s best stories over the first month, and it’s led by some elite defense.

9. Cleveland Cavaliers (LW: 7)

TheCleveland Cavalierswere a dominant team in the East last season. Coach Kenny Atkinson was given one of the league’s better defenses and added the offensive efficiency they lacked. After a slow start in their new campaign, the Cavs have played better the last couple of weeks, and it’s mostly due to some fantastic play from top star Donovan Mitchell. He is fifth in the league in scoring and has spearheaded an offense posting 120 points a night.

10. New York Knicks (LW: 12)

TheNew York Knickstook another big step closer to a title last season. They were tested early in the playoffs, but went all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Unfortunately, they couldn’t overcome the Pacers for a second straight year, and it likely cost coach Tom Thibodeau his job.

There were always going to be early-season bumps for the Knicks with a new head coach. They are still working out the kinks on offense, but are rounding into one of the better scoring teams in the league. However, their defense has suffered due to the changes and the absence of OG Anunoby. Nevertheless, they have played far better of late as long as they aren’t playing the Magic.

11. Minnesota Timberwolves (LW: 8)

Although it took longer than many expected, theMinnesota Timberwolvesmaintained their place as a top team out West last season. Unfortunately, the eventual champion Thunder ended their campaign in the conference finals for a second straight year. Nevertheless, expectations remain high for the Wolves.

Unlike last year, Julius Randle has played like an All-Star from the start, and players like Donte DiVincenzo and Jaden McDaniels have played a key role in a solid start to the season. The Wolves would be higher in our rankings if not for some upset losses to the Suns and the lowly Kings recently.

12. Atlanta Hawks (LW: 11)

Led by the face of the franchise, Trae Young, theAtlanta Hawkswere a handful for opposing defenses last season. Unfortunately, they were terrible on defense. To start 2025-26, there was reason for hope due to the emergence of youngsters Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels last season, plus the additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker this summer.

Interestingly enough, they have been able to survive the loss of Young because of their defense. ATL is giving up just 114 per game, down five points from last season. It is the main reason why they have been able to keep pace with the top six in the conference despite being without their top player.

13. Phoenix Suns (LW: 15)

Outside of the 76ers, thePhoenix Sunswere the league’s biggest letdown in 2024-25. Their awful performance got head coach Mike Budenholzer fired, and it is why trading Kevin Durant was a must to begin the offseason. In the deal that sent him to Houston, they got back talented young scorer Jalen Green and glue-guy Dillon Brooks. One of those men has been outstanding to begin the season.

Under new head coach Jordon Ott, Brooks has been a revelation. Averaging 22 points a game. While Devin Booker is off to a great start as the focal point of the offense again, surprisingly, it is Phoenix’s defense that has them among the top six in a tough West.

14. Philadelphia 76ers (LW: 11)

ThePhiladelphia 76erswere the biggest disappointment in the NBA last season as injuries to their top two players destroyed any plans to be an NBA Finals contender. The only positive from the lost campaign was that Tyrese Maxey confirmed he is a legitimate star in the league and is worth building around.

That has continued in 2025-26, and the sixth-year talent is second in the league in scoring (33.0). However, following a good start to the season, they have hit a slump recently due to, of course, injuries to Embiid, George, and talented young rookie VJ Edgecombe.

15. Chicago Bulls (LW: 16)

Late last season, theChicago Bullssurprised many around the league by actually getting better after moving Zach LaVine. Josh Giddy flourished under head coach Billy Donovan, and Coby White had a breakout season. The big question is whether it was a hot streak or proof that they are a team on the rise in the East?

To begin the season, Chicago looked like it could be the breakout team of 2025-26. However, over the last couple of weeks, they have fallen back to earth and lost five of six at one point. But there is hope because White has missed much of the first month. With him back in the fold, Chicago can be a playoff contender this season.

16. Boston Celtics (LW: 18)

Jayson Tatum’s season-ending injury in Game 5 of the semifinals completely altered the trajectory of theBoston Celticsthis season. Plus, trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and letting Al Horford walk to cut costs, was always going to mean 2025-26 would be a fight to be a play-in team.

While they are a bottom-10 group on offense (114 PPG), Joe Mazzulla has gotten elite defense from his team (110 PPG). It is why they are competitive every night and continue to hover around .500 so far this season.

17. Orlando Magic (LW: 20)

TheOrlando Magicdealt with major injuries to key players throughout last season, but battled through with their elite defense. They badly lacked another playmaker and three-point shooting. That’s why they made a blockbuster trade for Desmond Bane in the summer.

Yet, despite the addition of Bane, Orlando remains a middle-of-the-road team on offense so far this season (118 points per game). The big surprise so far this defense is that they are not among the elite teams in defense this year. It’s why they are not a top-three team in the East despite the conference being weaker this year.

18. Golden State Warriors (LW: 13)

Entering last season’s playoffs, theGolden State Warriorswere seen as a serious dark horse to go all the way. However, Stephen Curry’s first-ever hamstring injury came at the worst possible time, and they were ousted early in the postseason.

The Warriors got off to a strong start. However, they have slumped of late as their defense has started to show cracks. However, the big concern is that Golden State is a bottom-10 team in scoring (114.8) so far this season. If they are relying more on their defense to win games, that should be a big red flag for a Steve Kerr Warriors team.

19. Portland Trail Blazers (LW: 19)

ThePortland Trail Blazershave a roster with some rock-solid, respectable veterans and youngsters with high upside, including Shaedon Sharpe. However, a dark cloud was immediately placed over their season from the start when head coach Chauncey Billups was implicated in awild poker game rigging scheme.

Despite the off-court drama, Portland has given fans hope. Former lottery pick Deni Avdija has taken a huge step forward in his sixth season (24 PPG) — third in Portland. That, along with a strong start for fellow lottery pick Shaedon Sharpe, is why the Trail Blazers have been better than analysts expected.

20. Milwaukee Bucks (LW: 17)

TheMilwaukee Bucksmade some big changes in the summer. They moved on from future Hall of Famer Damian Lillard, but, in an attempt to keep top star Giannis Antetokounmpo happy, they made one of the boldest moves of the offseason by luring Myles Turner away from Indiana.

So far, the Greek Freak is doing his usual and playing at an MVP level (31 points, 10 boards, and 6 assists). However, he is not getting enough from his teammates. That is why it is unsurprising that when he went down with a groin strain, Milwaukee has fallen into a deep slump and is plummeting down the standings.

21. Memphis Grizzlies (LW: 23)

TheMemphis Grizzlieswere always going to be a bit different after firing Taylor Jenkins late last season and replacing him with assistant Tuomas Iisalo. They also began their offseason with the summer’s first blockbuster trade as they sent veteran guard Desmond Bane to the Magic.

So far, things have been rough in Memphis. The ongoing drama between Ja Morant and Iisalo has been a drag on the team for the last few weeks, and all have suffered for it. After just a month, the Grizzlies are in evaluation mode of their roster because some big changes could be coming soon after a tumultuous start.

22. Los Angeles Clippers (LW: 22)

TheLos Angeles Clipperswill aim to quiet the off-court noise after a scandal about how they originally acquired Kawhi Leonard emerged this summer. It certainly helps that Tyron Lue is one of thebest coaches in the NBA, and they have some good veteran talent.

Unfortunately, the Clippers have been one of the biggest disappointments in the game so far this season. While James Harden has been very good, they badly miss Norman Powell. Especially since Kawhi Leonard remains as unreliable as ever to stay healthy. LA needs a savior, but one isn’t coming.

23. Utah Jazz (LW: 21)

Last year, Will Hardy and his team took another step back as the Jazz finished dead last in the 2024-25 NBA standings. Making matters worse, they didn’t land the top overall pick in the NBA Draft, and President Danny Ainge still hasn’t used his horde of draft picks to make a blockbuster trade.

Hopes are not high in Salt Lake City, but they aren’t making things as easy for opponents with Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George off to very nice starts. However, with Walker Kessler now out for the season, the lack of help after their big two is why the Jazz haven’t shown signs they won’t be a losing team again in 2025-26.

24. Sacramento Kings (LW: 26)

On paper, theSacramento Kingshave a pretty good roster. They have two multi-time All-Star guards, a top-notch big man in Domantas Sabonis, and impact veteran guards like Dennis Schroder and Malik Monk. But heading into the season, some around the game felt Sactowncould be a big disappointmentthis season.

Those analysts are looking very right. Despite an impressive array of talent, Doug Christie is overseeing one of the worst teams in the Western Conference. They have been terrible on defense and, despite all the scoring talent, they are also bottom five in the league on offense. However, recent wins over the Wolves and Nuggets have offered fans a glimmer of hope.

25. Dallas Mavericks (LW: 25)

On paper, theDallas Maverickshave a rock-solid team. Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson are future Hall of Famers who can still play at a high level, and Cooper Flagg is one of the most hyped rookies of the last 20 years.

However, the absence of Kyrie Irving has been noticeable as Dallas has been so bad that it cost general manager Nico Harrison his job after the first few weeks of the season. It hasn’t helped that Davis has missed a bunch of games already. No wonder hisname is popping up in recent trade rumors.

26. Charlotte Hornets (LW: 24)

WhileLaMelo Balland Brandon Miller put up some pretty good scoring numbers last season, it did not help to make theCharlotte Hornetsa competitive team. In the new season, Miles Bridges has returned to being the borderline All-Star he was two years ago. Unfortunately, even with rookie Kon Knueppel pushing his name into the early Rookie of the Year discussion, it hasn’t stopped the Hornets from being among the East’s worst right now.

It should come as no surprise that the rough start has led to trade rumblings about Ball over the last couple of weeks.

27. Indiana Pacers (LW: 30)

TheIndiana Pacershad a year to remember in 2024-25 as they reached the Finals for the first time in over two decades. Top star Tyrese Haliburton also shut up all his doubters and played like a superstar in the playoffs. However, they won’t have him all year after suffering a torn Achilles in the Finals, and they lost Myles Turner to the Bucks in free agency.

The Pacers were expected to struggle, and the pundits were right. Even at their best, they were a back-15 defensive team. However, without a high-level offense, they are not competitive whatsoever so far this season. It hasn’t helped that the good players they do have have dealt with injuries this season. At least they have a good excuse for their problems compared to the other teams they are lumped with at the bottom of theNBA standings.

28. New Orleans Pelicans (LW: 27)

Injuries absolutely decimated theNew Orleans Pelicanslast season. In response, they decided to remake the roster by trading Brandon Ingram and moved on from CJ McCollum this summer. But as always, any chance of being competitive this year will rest on the injury-prone body of Zion Williamson.

Unfortunately, Williamson has played just eight games this season, and New Orleans has been unsurprisingly terrible. It cost head coach Willie Green his job, and they are headed to being a lottery team again this year.

29. Brooklyn Nets (LW: 28)

In June’s draft, theBrooklyn Netshad four first-round picks and chose to use all of them instead of packaging them in trades for veteran players. They also had the most available cap space but held off on splurging in a weak free agent market. Unfortunately, the cautious approach has not delivered results in the new season.

While new addition Michael Porter Jr. has played well in Brooklyn, he and Cam Thomas have not been able to stop the Nets from being one of the worst teams in the league. Their defense is good, but their offense as a team is even worse as they averaged 109 points a game.

30. Washington Wizards (LW: 29)

Despite a new head coach, theWashington Wizardsand prospects Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly were terrible last season. In the summer, DC shipped out Jordan Poole for an aging but still good CJ McCollum, and they also added former Bucks star Khris Middleton.

It has made no difference, and the Wiz are among the worst teams in the NBA again. They are the worst team in the league on defense (129 PPG), and they aren’t much better on offense (112 PPG). The only positive is that Sarr has played well in his second season in the league.

ByJason Burgos

After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More aboutJason Burgos

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Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver is being hit with a year-long suspension and is being fined a maximum of $10 million following the completion of an investigation into various allegations of workplace misconduct by the 60-year-old NBA boss.

On Tuesday, theNBA announcedthat after conducting interviews with 320 former and current Suns employees, Sarver, and going through over 80,000 documents, emails text messages, and videos, the league found that the owner of the Suns and the WNBA’s Mercury “engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards, as well as team and league rules and policies.”

The violations by Sarver included using racially insensitive language, unequal treatment of female employees, sex-related statements and conduct, as well as “harsh treatment” of employees that occasionally could be viewed as outright bullying.

Related:Timberwolves Anthony Edwards could be fined soon following recent homophobic slurs

Due to the NBA’s findings, the league announced Sarver would be suspended for one year, he must “complete a training program focused on respect and appropriate conduct in the workplace,” and he has been hit with a $10 million fine. The maximum amount that can be levied. The league will also donate the funds from the fine to organizations that address race and gender-based issues in and out of the workplace.

The ugly findings in the NBA’s investigation of Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver

The NBA’s report on Tuesday goes into detail about the specific findings that led to the strong penalty that came down on the Suns’ boss.

The league discovered that on at least five occasions, Sarver used “the N-word” when recalling things said by others. There was a slew of issues when it came to female employees that included comments on the physical appearance of women in the organization, and inequitable conduct toward female employees.

Sarver also reportedly made sex-related comments in the workplace, and “on several occasions engaged in inappropriate physical conduct toward male employees.” Furthermore, during the 18-year period of the investigation, Sarver also was found to have engaged in demeaning and harsh treatment of his employees, which of course included “yelling and cursing at them.”

The investigation came following an ESPN expose in November of last year that revealed various allegations about the Suns’ owner’s questionable behavior as the team’s figurehead for nearly two decades.

ByJason Burgos

After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More aboutJason Burgos

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With the 2024-25 season at an end, now is the perfect time to look into the future and take a spin at predicting the NBA playoff teams for this year’s postseason. But before you check out our predictions for the 2025 NBA playoffs, take a look at ourfinal regular-season power rankingsand a rundown of the50 best NBA players right now.

Without further ado, let’s start predicting this spring’s NBA playoffs and who will win it all in June.

Related:NBA games today – Get a look at the upcoming games on tonight’s NBA schedule

Eastern Conference NBA Playoff predictions and seeds

1. Cleveland Cavaliers(64-18)
2. Boston Celtics(61-21)
3. New York Knicks(51-31)
4. Indiana Pacers(50-32)
5. Milwaukee Bucks(48-34
6. Detroit Pistons(44-38)
7. Orlando Magic(41-41) — NBA Play-In Tournament
8. Atlanta Hawks(40-42) — NBA Play-In Tournament
9. Chicago Bulls(39-43) — NBA Play-In Tournament
10. Miami Heat(37-45) — NBA Play-In Tournament

• Donovan Mitchell and theCleveland Cavaliersare a team with a lot of things to like. The big question entering the season was, could Kenny Atkinson elevate them to new heights? He has done exactly that and turned them into an elite offense this season.Odds to win championship:+600
• TheBoston Celticshave not been as dominant as they were last season. However, the regular season very much seems like a dress rehearsal to make sure all their key players stay healthy and they peak just in time for the NBA playoffs.Odds:+220
• TheNew York Knicksmade some big moves before the season to give them a serious chance to compete for a title this spring. While they are one of the best teams in the East, their defense and troubles in big games offer doubt they can get to the Finals in 2025.Odds:+3000

Also Read:20 Worst NBA players of all-time, including Greg Oden

• TheIndiana Pacerslooked like a shell of themselves over the first few months. However, the group has battled out of their surprising slump and returned to being an elite team in the East. Their defense is still a major weakness, but their offense makes them a tough out in the playoffs.Odds:+10000
• Many wondered if theMilwaukee Bucks’star pairing of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard could work. After getting off to an awful start, it seemed like they couldn’t. However, the Emirates Cup winners have been better in the final months of the season. Their health will be one of their biggest issues this spring.Odds:+15000
• TheDetroit Pistonswere the worst team in basketball in 2023-24. But with a new regime running the show and JB Bickerstaff on the bench, they have been one of the NBA’s best stories. Led by first-time All-Star Cade Cunningham, Detroit is a fun club on the rise and could make some noise in the playoffs.Odds:+30000

Eastern Conference Play-In teams

• TheOrlando Magichave one of the game’s best defensive teams. However, their offensive is the exact opposite, and it has been a major hindrance to their growth. It has led to a regression this season, and they could be one and done in the playoffs.Odds:+100000
• TheAtlanta Hawksis one of the best-scoring teams in basketball. Trae Young has had a fantastic season as the undisputed face of the team, and they are a handful every night. Unfortunately, their terrible defense is a huge problem come playoff time.Odds:+100000
• TheChicago Bullsno longer have Demar DeRozan or Zach LaVine. However, despite a far less talented roster in the second half, they have grinded out a spot in the play-in tourney. They won’t go far, but they deserve credit for their late-season efforts to get in.Odds:+100000
• After trading Jimmy Butler, it was always going to be a letdown season for theMiami Heat. Nevertheless, they will be in the play-in tourney and could still make the final eight teams.Odds:+100000

Related:50 best NBA players of 2024

Western Conference NBA Playoff predictions

1. Oklahoma City Thunder(68-14)
2. Houston Rockets(52-30)
3. Los Angeles Lakers(50-32)
4. Denver Nuggets(50-32)
5. Los Angeles Clippers(50-32)
6. Minnesota Timberwolves(49-33)
7. Golden State Warriors(48-34) — NBA Play-In Tournament
8. Memphis Grizzlies(48-34) — NBA Play-In Tournament
9. Sacramento Kings(40-42) — NBA Play-In Tournament
10. Dallas Mavericks(39-43) — NBA Play-In Tournament

• After a brilliant 57-win season, theOklahoma City Thundergot better during the summer. The moves they made have proven to be a stroke of genius, and it is why they have the top record in the league heading into the playoffs. They are the team to beat in the West.Odds:+175
• TheHouston Rocketshave continued the momentum they built late last season and evolved into one of the better teams out west. They have a pair of young stars leading the way and a proven coach in Ime Udoka. The NBA playoffs will prove how far along their development is.Odds:+8000
• TheLos Angeles Lakershave played better than many expected under first-time head coach JJ Redick. However, they shook things up in a massive way when they shipped off Anthony Davis and acquired Luka Doncic. He and LeBron James have worked well together, and LA could be a big problem in these playoffs.Odds:+1100

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• When you have the best player on the planet, you will always be a very competitive team. While this has not been a vintageDenver Nuggetsteam, just like last year, they have overcome early bumps in the road and seem to be finishing strong. Unfortunately, deciding to fire head coach Michale Malone a week before the postseason likely means they won’t go far this spring.Odds:+3000
• TheLos Angeles Clippershave quietly had another good season. But it’s the same story for this older and oft-injured squad. If they can stay healthy, they are a problem, but staying healthy has been their biggest problem.Odds:+3500
• Unfortunately for theMinnesota Timberwolves, trading homegrown star Karl-Anthony Towns seemed like a bad decision. However, over the last month, they have finally picked up momentum and could make surprising noise in the West playoffs.Odds:+5000

Western Conference Play-In teams

• TheGolden State Warriorsbrought an end to the Big Three era this summer, and they unsurprisingly struggled for much of the first half. However, trading for Jimmy Butler has completely reinvigorated this group, and they are a serious dark horse to reach the Finals this spring.Odds:+1400
• TheMemphis Grizzlieswere back to being a highly competitive team in the West this season. However, despite gains offensively, firing head coach Taylor Jenkins in March means fans should not expect much from them in these playoffs.Odds:+25000
• TheSacramento Kingshave gone through a lot this season. They added DeMar DeRozan. Fired Mike Brown, traded De’Aaron Fox, and added Zach LaVine. They will make the playoffs but are a good coach away from being a force out west.Odds:+100000
• TheDallas Mavericksstunned the NBA world when they traded Luka Doncic this season. They have had a bunch of bad luck since the move. Just making the playoffs has been a big win for this snake-bit team.Odds:+100000

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NBA Playoff predictions: Matchups and winners

Eastern Conference first round

• 1) Cleveland Cavaliers over 8) Atlanta Hawks (4-0)
• 5) Milwaukee Bucks over 4) Indiana Pacers (4-2)
• 3) New York Knicks over 6) Detroit Pistons (4-2)
• 2) Boston Celtics over 7) Orlando Magic (4-1)

Western Conference first round

• 1) Oklahoma City Thunder over 8) Memphis Grizzlies (4-1)
• 4) Denver Nuggets over 5) Los Angeles Clippers (4-2)
• 3) Los Angeles Lakers over 6) Minnesota Timberwolves (4-2)
• 7) Golden State Warriors over 2) Houston Rockets (4-3)

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NBA Playoff Predictions: Conference Semifinals

Eastern Conference

• 1) Cleveland Cavaliers over 5) Milwaukee Bucks (4-3)
• 2) Boston Celtics over 3) New York Knicks (4-2)

Western Conference

• 1) Oklahoma City Thunder over 4) Denver Nuggets (4-2)
• 7) Golden State Warriors over 3) Los Angeles Lakers (4-2)

NBA Playoff Predictions: Conference Finals

Eastern Conference Finals

• 2) Boston Celtics over 1) Cleveland Cavaliers (4-2)

Western Conference Finals

• 1) Oklahoma City Thunder over 3) Golden State Warriors (4-2)

NBA Finals prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder over Boston Celtics (4-2)

The 2025 NBA playoffs will be when the basketball world realizes just how talented the Oklahoma City Thunder are. They have a great defense, an MVP candidate, and a deep roster filled with tough and talented players. While it won’t be easy, look for them to stop the Boston Celtics from repeating this year and bring OKC their first NBA title.

Related:Get a look at the latest 2025 NBA power rankings

ByJason Burgos

After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More aboutJason Burgos

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The rumor winds have been swirling in the direction of the Indiana Pacers being the landing spot for restricted free agent Deandre Ayton. Well, the speculation was true and the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft has come to terms on a historic offer sheet with the team.

On Thursday, ESPN NBA insiderAdrian Wojnarowskibroke the news that the Phoenix Suns star had landed the nine-figure max contract he was in search of this summer.

“RFA center Deandre Ayton has agreed to a four-year, $133M maximum offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers, his agents Nima Namakian (Innovate Sports) and Bill Duffy (BDA Sports + WME Sports) tell ESPN. The Phoenix Suns have 48 hours to match the largest offer sheet in NBA history,” Wojnarowski wrote on Twitter.

Related:Why re-signing Jalen Smith should excite Indiana Pacers fans

Ayton was one of the biggest names left on the free agent market. However, the teams interested in giving him the sort of money he was looking for seemed to dwindle in recent weeks. Not to mention, the Suns reportedly had no intention of giving him the five-year max deal he was eligible for. It limited Ayton’s leverage in shopping his services around. In the end, the Pacers decided to deal out the sort of money that is rare by their standards for a four-year veteran who has yet to make an All-Star game.

What the Deandre Ayton news means for the Indiana Pacers

With the addition of Ayton, the Pacers have a core of young players and former first-round picks that are rich in potential and should give them to chance to contend for a playoff spot in 2022-2023. On paper, a rotation that includes Ayton, Tyrese Haliburton, and 2022 top pick Bennedict Mathurin is something Indy fans can rally around and have long-term hope about.

• Deandre Ayton stats (2021-2022): 17.2 PPG,10.2 REB, 1.4 AST, 63% FG

However, there is the question of what the team does with incumbent starting center Myles Turner. Obviously, with Ayton on the roster, it hurts their leverage a bit in long-rumored trades — since they have to move him now. But the market for his services is solid and they should be able to get a solid return. TheLos Angeles Lakers are rumoredto be a team very much interested in acquiring both Turner and forward Buddy Hield.

Will the Phoenix Suns match the Pacers offer sheet?

As for the Phoenix Suns, they are in a difficult position. While it would have been tough to pull off a deal — due to designated player rules — using Ayton in arumored tradefor Nets superstar Kevin Durant this summer is officially off the table. They also can’t work out a sign-and-trade for a solid replacement like Turner since the offer sheet has been signed.

The signing puts the Suns in a frustrating spot where they may end up taking a step back next season or give up something of value in a trade to replace their former center. Just so they can maintain their level of competitive play but are still far from a serious championship contender.

However, there is the possibility they could go back on their previous strategy and decide to match the offer. And seems like that is likely now.Wojnarowskiadded immediately after the trade “the expectation remains that Phoenix will match the record-$133M offer sheet once it’s signed, sources tell ESPN.”

If Phoenix does bring Ayton back but then tries to move him in a trade, they can’t do so until after January 15. Plus, the NBA insider added the caveat that Ayton would have“veto power”on any trade for a full year after signing the deal. The Suns have a very interesting decision to make in the next 48 hours.

ByJason Burgos

After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More aboutJason Burgos

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