Check out our series-by-series previews, breaking down the keys to each first-round matchup, plus predictions.

The Western Conference’s second-seeded Houston Rockets will take on the seventh-seeded Golden State Warriors, who advanced out of the play-in tournament, in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.

Two scouts, a team executive and an assistant coach discuss the first-round matchup between the Timberwolves and the Lakers.