NBA Playoff Guide: Key Games, Injury Updates, and TV Schedule

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NBA Playoff Guide: Key Games, Injury Updates, and TV Schedule/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ NBA playoffs heat up with injuries, surprises, and record-setting performances. Jaylen Brown, Jalen Green, and Donovan Mitchell lead standout Game 2 wins. Get the full playoff TV schedule, betting odds, injury updates, and more.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) shouts in front of Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) and forward Nikola Jovic (5) after hitting a three-point basket in the first half in Game 2 of an NBA first-round playoff series, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

NBA Playoff 2025: What to Know, Who’s Playing, and What to Watch — Quick Looks

Big Names Sidelined: Jayson Tatum (wrist), Jimmy Butler (pelvis), and Kristaps Porzingis (head gash) all injured in Game 2s.
Star Performers: Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, and Jalen Green power wins for Celtics, Cavs, and Rockets.
TV Coverage: National games run daily on TNT, ESPN, NBA TV, and ABC through the weekend.
Title Favorites: Oklahoma City (+175), Boston (+195), and Cleveland (+550) lead championship odds.
Awards Watch: Jalen Brunson, Payton Pritchard win early honors; DPOY coming Thursday.
Key Dates: Draft lottery on May 12, Finals start June 5, NBA Draft rounds on June 25–26.

Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III writhes in pain after injuring himself in 1st quarter against Houston Rockets in Game 2 of First Round of NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

2025 NBA Playoffs: Schedule, Odds, Injuries & Top Stories

Deep Looks

April 24, 2025 | The 2025 NBA Playoffs are already delivering intensity, drama — and injuries. As several top stars exit with health concerns, teams are stepping up with explosive performances and fans are tuning in at record rates. Here’s everything you need to know as postseason action rolls into its second weekend.

Notable Injuries Shake the Field

Jayson Tatum missed Game 2 for Boston (bone bruise, wrist) — his first playoff absence ever.
Jimmy Butler (pelvic contusion) exited Game 2 for Golden State and will have an MRI Thursday.
Kristaps Porzingis took an elbow, gushing blood, but returned with five stitches — “WWE style,” he joked.

Wednesday Recap

Celtics 109, Magic 100 – Jaylen Brown exploded for 36 points as Boston took a 2-0 lead without Tatum.
Cavaliers 121, Heat 112 – Donovan Mitchell dropped 30 points, and the Cavs hit a playoff-record 11 threes in one quarter.
Rockets 109, Warriors 94 – Jalen Green bounced back with 38 points and eight threes to even the series.

Upcoming National TV Schedule

Thursday (All Times ET)

7 PM: Knicks at Pistons (TNT)
9:30 PM: Thunder at Grizzlies (TNT)
10 PM: Nuggets at Clippers (NBA TV)

Friday

7 PM: Celtics at Magic (ESPN)
8 PM: Pacers at Bucks (ESPNU, NBA TV)
9:30 PM: Lakers at Timberwolves (ESPN)

Saturday

1 PM: Cavaliers at Heat (TNT)
3:30 PM: Thunder at Grizzlies (TNT)
6 PM: Nuggets at Clippers (TNT)
8:30 PM: Rockets at Warriors (ABC)

Betting Odds Snapshot (via BetMGM)

Championship Favorites:
- Thunder: +175
- Celtics: +195
- Cavaliers: +550
Value Picks:
- Warriors & Lakers: +1600
- Clippers: +2500
- Rockets: +6000 (dropped from +12500 after Game 2 win)
Underdogs:
- Nuggets: +6600
- Bucks, Pistons: +25000
- Heat, Grizzlies, Magic: +150000

Recent Award Winners

Clutch Player of the Year: Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
Sixth Man of the Year: Payton Pritchard (Celtics)
Defensive Player of the Year: Announcement coming Thursday at 6:30 PM ET on TNT
Hustle Award: To be announced Friday at 2 PM ET

Key Upcoming NBA Dates

April 27 – NBA Early Entry Deadline
May 3–6 – Potential start of Round 2
May 12 – NBA Draft Lottery (Chicago)
May 18–21 – Conference Finals Begin
June 5–22 – NBA Finals (Game 7, if needed, is June 22)
June 25–26 – NBA Draft (Rounds 1 & 2)

Stat of the Day: Cleveland’s 3-Point Barrage

The Cavs nailed 11 threes in a single quarter, setting an NBA playoff record.

Team breakdown: 11 for 15 shooting in a 10-minute span.
Key contributors:
- Max Strus: 3-for-3
- Donovan Mitchell: 2-for-3
- De’Andre Hunter, Sam Merrill: 2-for-2 each
- Isaac Okoro: 1-for-1
- Evan Mobley: 1-for-2

During a 93-second stretch, the Cavs and Heat combined for 18 points — all from deep — going a perfect 6-for-6 from beyond the arc.

Fun Fact: Heat Make History in a Loss

Miami became the first NBA team in history to lose a playoff game after scoring 112+, hitting 16+ threes, shooting 50%+ from the field, and holding their opponent below 50% shooting. Teams had been 76-0 under those conditions until now.