Breaking Down the NBA Playoffs: Key Storylines, Players, and Predictions

The NBA playoffs are just around the corner, and the internet is buzzing with news, rumors, and, of course, the sheer drama of it all as basketball card prices are reflecting the hype. Get the low-down on the biggest NBA playoff predictions and find out everything you need to know about the big finals with this Giant Sports Cards guide.

Key Storylines and Predictions

Back-to-Back Wins for The Celtics?

There’s no NBA storyline quite like a back-to-back win. The Celtics won the title last year and will be eager to do it again this time. They would be the first team since the 2017-18 Warriors to achieve the feat. If you collect sports trading cards and bet on the Celtics again this year, you might just be in for a happy surprise.

It’s looking pretty promising so far. The Boston team has managed to avoid the injuries that so frequently plague their best players, with Jrue Holiday pulling his weight on the defense. The question, according to most NBA playoff prediction trackers, is whether the team has the endurance to stay in it for the entire seven-game stretch.

Younger, more fit teams like the Knicks are going to keep them on their toes, and it’ll be a battle of skill vs. endurance. Despite the injury concerns for the Celtics, they likely will pull ahead with a superior bench, with Tatum and Brown doing their thing on the wings.

Will OKC Meet Its Match?

Every season has analysts wondering, ‘Will the Oklahoma City Thunder finally get taken down?’ And the answer usually is a ‘no.’ This round of 2025 NBA predictions might be a little different.

Based on major NBA playoff predictions, they’re still the strongest team in the West. Even relatively newer players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are coming into their own on the team and proving they deserve the spot against established greats like Nikola Jokić. They’re currently sitting on a .829 win rate, towering over the Rockets and Lakers in the west.

Putting that aside, we might see an upset in this NBA storyline. The Timberwolves have been something of a wild card this year, putting up an even fight against teams like the Lakers with Anthony Edwards at the helm. Analysts like Raphielle Johnson believe they might be the team taking OKC down this year.

Players To Watch

Nikola Jokić

NBA playoff predictions aside, Jokić has always been one to watch. His Panini cards are seen as virtually perfect investments because, as a player, he always delivers. Jokić has one of the best stat lines in the league as a center for the Denver Nuggets, with an average of 29.6 points per game.

This is despite the fact that he’s had to step in for a teammate, Jamal Murray, putting in the work and keeping his point average up despite the challenge. Will Jokić be able to maintain his place as the top player through this playoff season? It all comes down to his team’s health and whether they can keep creating the shot opportunities he needs to shine.

Stephen Curry

This is where NBA playoff predictions get interesting. Curry is fighting the same battle LeBron is, weighing generational talent against the uphill battle of age and injuries. So far, so good for the Golden State Warriors point guard. He may have struggled a little in his first game against the Rockets, but he’s back in full form and ready for the finals if his team can keep up.

This is one NBA storyline everyone’s watching, with GSW being a potential favorite to uproot OKC. Curry’s scoring volume might be down this year, but he’s still one of the best dual threats in the game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Gilgeous-Alexander is something of a dark horse for 2025 NBA predictions. He’s a much younger player compared to Jokić and Curry, but he could potentially outshine them with time. His current performance has already made him the MVP pick according to many NBA playoff predictions, such as his recent dominating win against the Nuggets.

Could Gilgeous-Alexander be the face of the next Panini National Treasures hobby box? It’s still too early to call, but we’re locking this player in as one to watch for the playoffs.

Get Ready For The Playoffs!

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