The 2025 NBA Playoffs have just started, and now that we’re a week in, we’re starting to get a slightly clearer picture of where teams stand and how things will play out. Although only one team has secured its spot in the second round so far, there have been many thrillers, both expected and unexpected, setting the stage for one of the most competitive and talent-filled playoffs that the NBA has ever seen.
Eastern Conference Teams to Look Out For
The Cavaliers have swept the Heat in a very one-sided series. The Heat’s main selling point- their solid defense- has seemingly been absent against the Cavaliers, as Cleveland currently has the highest points per 100 possessions in the entire playoffs. The first seed of the Eastern Conference is projected to end the series in an expected sweep later tomorrow.
The second seed of the Eastern Conference, the Celtics, have won 4-1 in their series against the Magic. Although hope seemed lost by Game 2, where the Magic lost to a Celtics team that was without Jayson Tatum, they were able to clinch an extremely close Game 3 win, 95-93. Ultimately, as expected, a stacked Celtics roster was able to overpower the Magic in a blowout game 5 win.
The Knicks have won 4-2 in their series against the Pistons. Although on paper it isn’t a close win, each game was extremely close, with Cade Cunningham leading the Pistons in his first playoff series ever. It is also noteworthy that the Pistons have come back from the longest losing streak in NBA history last year to being able to compete with a Knicks team that is stronger than it has been in years.
Western Conference Teams to Look Out For
The one seed Thunder look absolutely dominant, sweeping the Grizzlies and being the first and only team so far to make it out of the first round of the playoffs this year. Not much needs to be said about SGA and the Thunder, but the Grizzlies may be looking at many potential trade targets after this year’s sweep.
The two seed Rockets have lost 3-4 in their series against the Golden State Warriors. It was the closest series of the playoffs so far, with each game being extremely physical and entertaining. Both teams have talent and are powerful in their own right, but truth be told, neither was expected to make it far in the playoffs this year. Curry is still Curry, but he needs more pieces surrounding him for the Warriors to make a deep push in the playoffs.
The three seed Lakers have lost 1-4 in their series against the Timberwolves in a surprising upset. Though we could talk about how this affects LeBron James’ legacy, this isn’t an ESPN article. Anthony Edwards is here. The league has been holding this off, unsure of whom to support between Edwards, Mitchell, and Booker, but it’s not an argument anymore. With players like LeBron James and Luka Dončić on the court, a 23-year-old was the best player on the court. Like Stephen A. Smith said, he’s being paid 240 million dollars, but he’s playing like his life is on the line. The league will be watching his performance against the Warriors in game 1 of the second round.
What Teams are Cresskill Students Rooting For?
Naturally, the majority of the student body seems to be rooting for the Knicks, who are based in nearby New York and are also the closest team to New Jersey that are playing in the playoffs. However, the Boston Celtics are also relatively nearby, and are actually playing the Knicks in the second round of the playoffs. Though one would expect intense rivalries in this subway series, Knicks fans are actually quite optimistic about it.
Jack Silver states, “The Celtics are obviously a crazy strong team, but this is going to be a good series. I’m looking forward to seeing how well KAT (Karl Anthony Towns) and Jalen Brunson are going to be able to perform against the Celtics defense.”
Similarly, Rehaan Shah adds, “It’s gonna be a test for us, how well this new team can perform in tough matchups, so I hope both teams do their best”. There’s natural competition between the two teams, but it seems to be mostly friendly, with many acknowledging the talent on both rosters.
Beyond the Knicks and Celtics series, some students are also keeping a close eye on other teams, even from the Western Conference. Ryan Chung, a Bucks fan, shares, “I want to see the Bucks back on the finals, especially with this new Dame and Giannis combo.”
Although they ended up falling to the Pacers in a dramatic game winning shot by Tyrese Haliburton, it shows that Cresskill students aren’t just limited to the hometown teams.
