NBA Playoffs: Full Game Schedule, Betting Odds, Top Performances

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NBA Playoffs: Full Game Schedule, Betting Odds, Top Performances/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The NBA playoffs continue with key matchups and elimination possibilities on the horizon. Saturday features four crucial games, including Thunder vs. Grizzlies where Oklahoma City could clinch. Meanwhile, betting odds shift and award winners are announced as the postseason heats up.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis reacts after scoring a basket during the second half in Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, Friday, April 25, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

NBA Playoff Guide Quick Looks

Oklahoma City can clinch their series over Memphis on Saturday.
Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards lead Timberwolves over Lakers in Game 3.
Miami hosts Cleveland, Clippers host Denver, Warriors face Rockets Saturday.
LeBron James sets 40-year-old playoff scoring record with 38 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr. combine for 74 points for Bucks.
Oklahoma City and Boston are top NBA title favorites.
Draymond Green wins NBA Hustle Award; other awards announced.
NBA Draft Lottery set for May 12; Finals begin June 5.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) gestures after making a 3-point shot during the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Friday, April 25, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

NBA Playoffs: Full Game Schedule, Betting Odds, Top Performances

Deep Look

NBA Playoff Guide: Schedules, Key Games, Odds, and Highlights as Round One Intensifies

The NBA playoffs continue with intensity this weekend, and Saturday’s lineup could bring the first elimination of the postseason. Oklahoma City stands one win away from advancing, while other marquee matchups like Cleveland vs. Miami and Denver vs. the Clippers promise more playoff fireworks.

Ja Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies are facing elimination, with the star guard listed as doubtful. The Thunder, surging with momentum, can close out the series with a victory Saturday afternoon.

Saturday’s full national TV schedule (Eastern time):

1 p.m. — Cleveland at Miami (TNT)
3:30 p.m. — Oklahoma City at Memphis (TNT)
6 p.m. — Denver at LA Clippers (TNT)
8:30 p.m. — Houston at Golden State (ABC)

Meanwhile, Sunday’s games feature major headliners including the Lakers looking to bounce back against Minnesota and Boston aiming to rebound after a surprise loss to Orlando:

1 p.m. — New York at Detroit (ABC)
3:30 p.m. — LA Lakers at Minnesota (ABC)
7 p.m. — Boston at Orlando (TNT)
9:30 p.m. — Indiana at Milwaukee (TNT)

Friday Night Recap

The playoff drama escalated Friday night with several thrilling performances:

Minnesota Timberwolves took a 2-1 lead over the Lakers, fueled by Jaden McDaniels‘ career playoff-high 30 points and Anthony Edwards’ 29-point near triple-double.
LeBron James, despite battling age and expectations, scored 38 points, becoming the first 40-year-old player to reach that playoff scoring mark. His effort wasn’t enough to prevent the Timberwolves from closing strong with a 13-1 run over the final minutes.
Milwaukee Bucks cut Indiana’s series lead to 2-1 thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr., who combined for 74 points. Trent hit nine three-pointers, tying for the fourth-most in a playoff game.

Boston’s Jayson Tatum overcame a severe wrist bruise to score 36 points, but the Celtics fell to Orlando, trimming their series lead to 2-1.

Betting Odds Update

According to BetMGM Sportsbook, Oklahoma City remains the favorite to win the NBA championship at +170, closely followed by Boston at +200. Other notable odds:

Cleveland (+475)
LA Clippers (+1400)
LA Lakers (+2500)
Golden State (+2500)
Minnesota (+2800)
New York (+3500)
Houston (+6600)

The Timberwolves’ Game 3 victory dropped their odds while the Lakers’ chances lengthened.

In series betting, Golden State remains favored at -165 to beat Houston despite being the No. 7 seed against the No. 2 Rockets. The Clippers are strong favorites (-400) in their series against Denver.

Award Season Updates

The NBA has announced several regular-season awards:

Draymond Green (Golden State) — NBA Hustle Award
Evan Mobley (Cleveland) — Defensive Player of the Year
Jalen Brunson (New York) — Clutch Player of the Year
Payton Pritchard (Boston) — Sixth Man of the Year

The league has yet to reveal MVP, Most Improved Player, Coach of the Year, or Rookie of the Year, as well as the All-NBA, All-Defensive, and All-Rookie teams.

Key Dates Ahead

Fans and players alike should mark their calendars:

Saturday: NBA early entry deadline for the draft.
May 3-6: Earliest potential start dates for the second round of playoffs.
May 12: NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago.
May 18-21: Conference Finals begin (West on May 18/20, East on May 19/21).
June 5: NBA Finals Game 1.
June 25-26: NBA Draft (Rounds 1 and 2).

Stats of the Day

LeBron James: First 40-year-old to score 38 points in a playoff game, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 32 points at age 40.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr.: Became just the 13th pair of teammates to each score 37+ points in the same playoff game.
Gary Trent Jr.: His nine three-pointers are tied for the fourth-most made in NBA playoff history.
Through the first 22 playoff games, teams scored over 100 points 61% of the time, down from 85% during the regular season.

As the postseason drama intensifies, fans can expect even more thrilling moments, clutch performances, and surprising upsets in the coming days.