The 2025 NBA playoffs tipped off Saturday with four games pitting the No. 3 seeds versus No. 6 seeds and No. 4 against No. 5 in each conference.
Here is the slate of Game 1 matchups for Saturday. The first three games are broadcast on ESPN, with ABC televising the nightcap.
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Check back here for takeaways from each of Saturday’s games, which are available below.
And check out Yahoo Sports’ predictions for each first-round series, in addition to Kevin O’Connor’s ranking of the top 40 players in the NBA postseason.
Milwaukee and Indiana are matched up again after facing each other in last year’s first round. The Pacers won that series in six games as the Bucks dealt with injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. If Game 1’s result is any indication, the Bucks will have difficulty pushing this year’s rematch that far.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo can’t do it alone
This is surely no surprise, but Milwaukee will need Lillard back in its lineup to provide Giannis Antetokounmpo with some help. (Lillard is reportedly expected to return for Game 2 or 3 in the series.) The Bucks star scored a game-high 36 points with 12 rebounds, but no one else in a Milwaukee uniform was a threat when it mattered on Saturday. Kyle Kuzma took five shots and recorded a 0-0-0 in points, rebounds and assists in 21 minutes of action.
Pacers’ depth is again a major advantage
Just as it was last season when Indiana made a run to the Eastern Conference finals, the team’s depth is its strength. The Pacers are at their best when Tyrese Haliburton plays well, but they can also win when he shoots 3-of-13 for 10 points. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 25 points, hitting 3-of-5 3-pointers.
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Picking up where he left off in last year’s playoffs, Andrew Nembhard scored 17 points, while Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell each scored in double-digits off the bench to complement the starters’ efficient attack.
– Ian Casselberry
