2025 NBA playoff picks: Experts predict the play-in and first round

The 2025 NBA playoffs will tip off on Saturday with just two more spots left to play from this week's play-in tournament.

Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriorsclinched the No. 7 spot after defeating 8-seedMemphis Grizzlies to set up a first-round series with with the No. 2 Houston Rockets. In the East, the Orlando Magicrouted theAtlanta Hawksto claim the No. 7 seed and a first-round matchup against the No. 2 seedBoston Celtics.

All that's left is which teams will clinch each conference's No. 8 seed on Friday. The Hawks will take onMiami Heat(who ousted theChicago Bullsin the 9-10 game) for the East spot while the Grizzlies will how theDallas Mavericks(who eliminated theSacramento Kingsin the 9-10 game).

The first-round tips on Saturday with the 3-6 and 4-5 matchups from each conference. The No. 1 and 2 seeds will host their Game 1s against Friday's play-in tournament winners on Sunday.

But before the NBA's biggest superstars take the postseason stage, our NBA experts are making their picks for each first-round series.

East play-in

Chris Herring: Heat