NBA Playoffs Second Round: Key Matchups and Predictions for Every Series

Having covered the NBA playoffs for over two decades, I can honestly say that every postseason brings its own unique flavor, but this year’s second round feels especially electric. For 20 years, I’ve watched legends rise, dynasties form, and underdogs stun the world—yet somehow, I still find myself surprised by the narratives unfolding on the hardwood. That phrase, "For 20 years, tsaka ko lang na-discover," resonates deeply with me. It’s a reminder that no matter how long you’ve been around the game, there’s always something new to uncover, a fresh storyline that keeps you hooked. And this round? It’s packed with them.

Let’s start with the Eastern Conference, where the Celtics are squaring off against the Cavaliers. Boston’s depth is staggering—they’ve got six players averaging double figures in the playoffs, and Jayson Tatum is putting up 28.5 points per game. But what really stands out to me is their defensive versatility. They can switch everything, and that’s going to test Cleveland’s half-court execution. On the other side, Donovan Mitchell has been nothing short of spectacular, dropping 32 points a night with a usage rate hovering around 33%. I’ve seen players catch fire in the playoffs, but Mitchell’s ability to create his own shot under pressure reminds me of a young Dwyane Wade. Still, I think the Celtics’ balance will be too much. My prediction? Boston in six, partly because I’ve learned over the years that elite defense usually trumps individual brilliance in a seven-game series.

Out West, the Nuggets and Timberwolves clash in what I’m calling the "battle of the bigs." Nikola Jokić is, well, Nikola Jokić—averaging a near triple-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. But what fascinates me is how Minnesota’s defense, anchored by Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns, plans to contain him. Gobert’s defensive rating of 101.2 in the first round is insane, but Jokić has a knack for dismantling even the best schemes. I’ll be honest: I’m slightly biased toward Denver here. Having watched Jokić evolve from a second-round pick to a two-time MVP, I’ve come to appreciate his genius in a way that feels personal. He sees the game two steps ahead, and that’s why I’m taking the Nuggets in seven, though Minnesota’s athleticism will push them to the brink.

Then there’s the Thunder versus the Mavericks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a revelation this season, posting 31.2 points per game on 54% shooting. His mid-range game is pure art, and at just 25, he’s playing with a poise that belies his age. But Luka Dončić? He’s a force of nature, averaging 34-9-9 in the playoffs and dictating tempo like a seasoned conductor. I’ve followed Luka since his Real Madrid days, and his court vision still blows my mind. This series, for me, hinges on role players. If Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort can bother Luka even a little, it might swing things. But I’ve got a soft spot for Dallas—Kyrie Irving’s fourth-quarter heroics are something I never tire of watching. I’m going Mavericks in six, partly because I think their playoff experience will shine through when it matters most.

In the other East matchup, the Knicks and Pacers bring a throwback vibe. Jalen Brunson is carrying New York on his back with 36.6 points and 8.4 assists per game in the playoffs, a workload that’s both impressive and concerning. I’ve seen stars burn out from overuse, but Brunson’s toughness is undeniable. Indiana, though, plays at a blistering pace—their 104.9 possessions per game lead the postseason—and Tyrese Haliburton’s 21.3 points and 9.1 assists make them fun to watch. Personally, I love what the Knicks are building; their gritty, grind-it-out style feels like classic playoff basketball. I’m taking New York in seven, but it’ll be a war of attrition that could come down to whose bench steps up.

Looking back, these matchups highlight why I fell in love with covering the NBA. It’s not just the stats or the stars; it’s the little moments—a role player hitting a clutch three, a coach’s adjustment that changes the series—that keep me coming back. Over 20 years, I’ve learned that predictions are never foolproof, but that’s the beauty of it. You think you’ve seen it all, and then the playoffs throw you a curveball. So, as we dive into this second round, I’m excited to see which teams prove me wrong and which ones make history. Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: the game always has more to teach us.