Expert NBA Playoff Predictions: Get Our Top Picks for Celtics vs. Knicks & Cavaliers vs. Pacers in the East’s Thrilling Second Round!

The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs will kick off this Sunday, even before the first round finishes. Surprisingly, we already know the matchups in the Eastern Conference. The top four seeds have all made it through. The Cleveland Cavaliers swept the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic in five games, the New York Knicks edged out the Detroit Pistons in six games, and the Indiana Pacers took care of the Milwaukee Bucks in five.

In the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers face the Pacers, while the Celtics will battle the Knicks. Both the Cavaliers and the reigning champion Celtics are expected to advance easily, with experts predicting how many games it will take.

Here’s a look at the predictions for the second-round matchups:

Series odds via BetMGM: Cavaliers -500, Pacers +375

• Botkin: Cavs in 5. The Pacers are tough, but they’ll struggle to stop Cleveland’s shooters. The Cavs should control the game and win more easily than many expect.
• Herbert: Cavs in 5. Cleveland looks fierce with its impressive ball movement and shooting skills, likely rendering Indiana’s defense ineffective.
• Maloney: Cavs in 6. The Pacers might surprise some with their unique style and improved defense, but the Cavaliers have been dominant.
• Quinn: Cavs in 5. They’ll likely employ the same strategy as against the Heat. The Pacers can keep up offensively but won’t take down the Cavs.
• Ward-Henninger: Cavs in 7. Indiana has momentum and a strong finish to the regular season, making this a potentially longer series, but Cleveland’s defense will prevail.
• Wimbish: Cavs in 6. The Pacers excelled in the first round, but they’ll find it hard against a Cavaliers team with too many offensive threats.

Series odds via BetMGM: Celtics -800, Knicks +550

• Botkin: Celtics in 6. The Knicks built their team to compete with Boston, but questions about their defense may hinder them.
• Herbert: Celtics in 5. Boston has proven resilient, and if they avoid bad shooting nights, they should take the series easily.
• Maloney: Celtics in 6. Boston may not have been at their best in the first round, but they should match up well against the Knicks.
• Quinn: Celtics in 5. If the Celtics stick to their strong defensive strategy, they’ll limit New York’s scoring opportunities.
• Ward-Henninger: Celtics in 5. New York’s star players will struggle against Boston’s deep defensive rotation.
• Wimbish: Celtics in 6. The rivalry is intense, but Boston’s proven talent will likely shine through.

This season’s playoff dynamics show how pivotal each round can be, especially with teams like the Pacers riding high on momentum. A recent survey indicated that over 65% of viewers expect the Cavaliers and Celtics to face off in the Eastern Conference Finals, highlighting their dominance.

As the playoffs unfold, the excitement builds. Fans are eager to see if surprises await, especially given this season’s unpredictable peaks and valleys. With the stakes high, every game could add to the drama of this unforgettable playoff run.

For further insights and live updates, check the latest from CBS Sports.

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