🏀 NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions 2025: Picks, Upsets & Matchup Vibes

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The Eastern Conference is loaded with talent and storylines heading into the 2025 NBA Playoffs. From rising stars to surprising runs, the bracket is full of matchups that could go the distance—or deliver upsets no one saw coming.

In this post, I’m breaking down my first-round predictions from a recent segment of Harrison Talks Pod. These picks come from a mix of analysis, gut feeling, and yes—some personal preference. Here's what I’m seeing as the postseason tips off.

(1) Cavaliers vs. (8) Magic

Pick: Cavaliers Win

This matchup is sneakily exciting. Both teams feature young, exciting cores—Mobley and Garland for Cleveland, Banchero and Wagner for Orlando. Expect fast-paced, high-energy basketball.

Why I’m picking the Cavs: they’ve simply been the more complete and consistent team this season. They’re on pace for over 62 wins, which would make this their best season since LeBron’s 66-16 squad in 2008–09. That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident.

Still, don’t sleep on Orlando. The Magic have closed the season strong, going 12-6 in their last 18. They’ve got momentum, but Cleveland’s battle-tested approach should carry them through.

👀 Watch For: The Mobley vs. Banchero battle could set the tone for years to come.

(2) Celtics vs. (7) Hawks

Pick: Celtics Win

A rematch from last year’s first round, this 2 vs. 7 matchup feels familiar. The Hawks come in as the league’s fastest team in terms of pace—and if they get hot, they’re capable of making it a shootout.

But the Celtics are a different animal. They’ve been elite on both ends all year, ranking second in offensive rating and among the top teams in net rating overall. Their depth is unmatched, and they don’t flinch in big moments.

This could be a fun, high-scoring series—but Boston’s consistency and two-way dominance should push them through comfortably.

👀 Watch For: Can the Hawks steal a game by simply outrunning the Celtics?

(3) Knicks vs. (6) Pistons

Pick: Pistons Upset

Here’s my bold pick.

I’m rolling with the Pistons—not just for the narrative, but because they’ve earned this moment. After finishing 17-65 last season, Detroit has made a massive leap, climbing to 43 wins and building some of the best chemistry in the league.

The Knicks are no joke—they’re one of the most efficient shooting teams in the NBA, ranking 4th in FG%. They’re physical, tough, and hard to knock out. But the Pistons are peaking at the right time, and I’m betting on their momentum to pull off the upset.

👀 Watch For: Can Detroit's young core stay composed under playoff pressure?

(4) Pacers vs. (5) Bucks

Pick: Pacers Win

This might be the most balanced and unpredictable series in the West. The Pacers love to push the tempo and are among the league leaders in fast break points and overall pace. If they dictate the rhythm, they could catch Milwaukee off guard.

That said, Giannis is in full playoff mode—he recently dropped a wild stat line of 35 points, 20(!) assists and 17 rebounds, reminding everyone what he’s capable of. But the Bucks have been inconsistent at times, and I think Indiana’s energy and pace could give them a slight edge in a seven-game battle.

👀 Watch For: Can the Bucks keep up with Indiana’s pace without burning out?

Final Thoughts

Those are my first-round Eastern Conference predictions—part analysis, part instinct, and part chaotic fun. This postseason has all the ingredients for surprise storylines and breakout stars, and I’m here for every second of it.

🗣 This post is based on a segment from Harrison Talks Pod — my weekly NBA podcast where we cover a variety of topics and teams every week. If you enjoyed this, check out the full episode here and follow the show on your favorite podcast app!

Also, I’d love to hear your playoff takes—drop a comment or connect with me here and let me know who you’ve got moving on.

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