The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue on Thursday, May 8, with the Golden State Warriors taking on the Houston Rockets without Stephen Curry.
The sharpshooter is out for at least a week with a hamstring strain.
Before we preview tonight’s matchup, we’ll recap the dramatic events from Wednesday’s games. But first, here’s the updated playoff bracket.
Updated 2025 NBA Playoffs Bracket
Last night’s action had one predictable and one unexpected result, with the New York Knicks prevailing over the Boston Celtics, expanding their series lead to 2-0, while the Oklahoma City Thunder, even the series with the Denver Nuggets at one-all.
Here’s the updated 2025 NBA Playoffs bracket reflecting last night’s results:
The updated 2025 NBA Playoffs bracket after Wednesday’s games.
Wednesday, May 7 – Game Recaps
New York Knicks 91, Boston Celtics 90
Knicks lead series 2–0
It was déjà vu all over again in Boston, as the Knicks turned what could have been another 20-point Celtics blowout into a narrow, single-possession victory.
Trailing once again by 20 points in the third quarter, the Knicks rallied to secure a stunning 91–90 win, taking a commanding 2–0 series lead as the matchup shifts to Madison Square Garden.
Josh Hart led New York with 23 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 21 points and 17 rebounds. Mikal Bridges scored all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter, including a game-sealing steal against Jayson Tatum in the final seconds. Jalen Brunson added 17 points and hit two crucial free throws with 12.7 seconds remaining to give the Knicks the lead.
The Celtics collapsed in the fourth quarter, missing 13 consecutive shots and committing 16 turnovers overall. Tatum had another frustrating night, finishing with just 13 points on 5-of-19 shooting and committing a critical turnover at the end.
The Knicks have found a formula to contain Tatum with Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson. Notably, the Knicks were +19 with Robinson on the court.
Boston is too good of a team to be swept, but the momentum is now with New York, as the series heads to the Big Apple.
Series Prediction: Knicks in 5.
Next Game: Saturday, May 10, 2025, 3:30 PM Eastern, Madison Square Garden, New York City
Oklahoma City Thunder 149, Denver Nuggets 106
Series tied 1–1
The Thunder thundered back on Wednesday night, responding emphatically to their Game 1 loss, delivering a historic 149–106 blowout against the Nuggets to even the series. The Thunder set a franchise playoff record and tied the NBA playoff record with 87 first-half points, leading by as many as 48 during the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 34 points on 11-of-13 shooting, including a perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line, and added eight assists. Jalen Williams contributed 17 points, while Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Denver’s Nikola Jokić, who dominated in Game 1, was limited to 17 points and fouled out late in the third quarter. The Nuggets struggled defensively and were overwhelmed by the Thunder’s offensive onslaught.
The series now heads to Denver.
Series Prediction: Thunder in seven.
Next Game: Friday, May 9, 2025, 10:00 PM Eastern, Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Thursday, May 8 – Game Preview
Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors
Warriors lead series 1–0
The Warriors handily won Game 1 by a 99–88 margin, despite Stephen Curry’s second-quarter exit due to a hamstring injury. Buddy Hield stepped up with 24 points, and Jimmy Butler added 20. The Warriors’ experience proved decisive against the young Timberwolves, who struggled offensively.
Anthony Edwards managed only one point in the first half and finished with a subpar shooting performance.
For the Warriors, Draymond Green was critical on both ends of the court, scoring 18 points. The question for tonight is: Can he and Golden State repeat what they did in Game 1? That’s unlikely. Expect the Timberwolves to bounce back and even the series.
The semifinals series now heads to San Francisco for Games 3 and 4, and the fate of the matchup may hinge on whether Curry is able to return. If he can make it back for Game 4 on Monday, this series could become a far more competitive battle.
Series Prediction: Timberwolves in seven.
Time: 7:30 PM Eastern
Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
TV: TNT
Streaming: TNT app and website, Max, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, YouTube TV