There have been some exciting first-round matchups throughout the 2025 playoffs. This includes the Pistons vs. the East Knicks, and the West Clipper and Nuggets.
New York and Denver have a 3-2 lead heading to Game 6 on Thursday night. They are each a road team and are about to close a series of enemy territory. Will the Knicks and Nuggets win tonight and advance to the semi-finals of the meeting?
The Knicks and Nuggets want to close their respective series in Game 6
🏆Playoff bracket🏆
▪The Timberwolves proceed to West Semis
▪§Rocket Force Game 6#nbaplayoffs Google will continue on TNT on Thursday! pic.twitter.com/pdlu4y1j5t
-NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2025
New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons
In the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, the #3 seed Knicks matched the #6 seed piston. This is a highly contested series, with New York having a 3-2 lead. They are heading down the road to face Detroit on Thursday night. New York had the opportunity to close the series with Game 5 at home on Tuesday. However, the crude pistons depended on a 106-103 victory. The final three games of the series have been determined in total 8 points.
It was the first time this series has not scored at least 30 points despite scoring 103 points on Tuesday. OG Anunoby scored a team-high 19 points. All five starters scored at least 15 points in New York in Game 5. The Knicks have a 3-2 series lead heading into Game 6 on Thursday night. Detroit went to the toes with the Knicks in the first round series. New York wants to close the series with Game 6 and end the Pistons season.
Denver Nuggets vs. Raclippers
Perhaps the most entertaining series in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs is the Clippers vs. Nuggets. Three of the five games are determined by one owner or less. Denver has a 3-2 series lead heading to Los Angeles on Thursday night. The Nuggets are away from the Clippers with a 131-115 victory on Tuesday night. Jamal Murray made a vintage playoff performance with 43 points, with eight pointers scoring eight points. Denver is about to reach the sixth conference semi-finals of the past seven postseasons.
In Game 5 on Tuesday, the Clippers were unable to match the pace the Nuggets were scoring. Big Man Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 27 points. On top of that, James Harden had the worst game in the series. The Clippers averaged 0.72 points on 35 plays involving Harden. Both of these were his lowest output this postseason. LA is home tonight and they will need a stunning performance from Harden. Additionally, the Clippers need Kauhi Leonard to bolster his production. He scored 39 points in Game 2. The type of performance in Game 6 helps the Clippers make this a 7-game series.