The NBA playoffs have a different feel to them in 2025. For the first time in years, the second round doesn’t feature some of the NBA’s biggest stars, such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic.
While James is currently rehabbing from a knee injury he suffered in a first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he stated his thoughts on the playoff picture.
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James discussed the playoffs alongside Steve Nash on the “Mind the Game” podcast, which he used to co-host alongside now Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick.
The Lakers star seems to have seen something special in the Timberwolves.
James believes Minnesota will “at least” make the Western Conference Finals, clearly choosing the Timberwolves to advance in the playoffs and defeat the Golden State Warriors.
“I can see them for sure getting to the Western Conference Finals, if not the Finals,” James said, per Mind the Game. “Obviously, health is wealth. Health is wealth in the postseason. But, I think they have all the makeups. They have shooting. They have toughness. They have size, they have foot speed, they have playmaking… At least Western Conference Finals. If not, then the Finals.”
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23). Candice Ward-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves are down 0-1 in the second-round series to the Golden State Warriors. Despite the edge for Golden State, they were hit with a brutal injury update that could plague their success.
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Curry, who suffered a hamstring injury in Game 1, will be sidelined for Game 2 and will be re-evaluated next week.
Now, the Warriors have to face the Timberwolves on the road in Game 2 without their leading scorer and travel back to Golden State with uncertainty in the lineup.
Golden State defeated Minnesota with Curry playing just 13 minutes in Game 1, but it seems James is looking at the bigger picture, mentioning “health is wealth,” which would clearly side with the Timberwolves.
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