NBA Game News Today: May 6, 2025

The NBA playoffs are heating up, and today, May 6, 2025, brings thrilling matchups in the conference semifinals. Here’s a roundup of the latest game news, scores, and highlights based on the most recent updates.

Today’s Key Games

1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers – Game 2

Time: 7:00 PM ET
Channel: TNT/Max
Location: Cleveland
Context: After the Pacers stole Game 1 in Cleveland, powered by Tyrese Haliburton’s 22 points and 13 assists, the Cavaliers are under pressure to even the series at home. Cleveland, the top seed in the East with 64 regular-season wins, faces challenges with Darius Garland’s injury concerns, having missed the last three playoff games. The Cavs need Donovan Mitchell to continue his scoring streak—he’s set an NBA record for consecutive 30-point games to open a playoff series. Indiana’s fast-paced style could test Cleveland’s defense, especially if Garland remains sidelined.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors – Game 1

Time: 9:30 PM ET
Channel: TNT
Location: Minnesota
Context: The Warriors, fresh off a dramatic 103-89 Game 7 win over the Houston Rockets, face the well-rested Timberwolves, who closed out the Lakers on May 1. Buddy Hield’s record-tying nine 3-pointers (matching Donte DiVincenzo’s 2024 mark) and Stephen Curry’s second-half surge propelled Golden State to the semifinals. However, the Warriors are underdogs for the first time since 2014, with Minnesota favored by 6.5 points at home. The Timberwolves, led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, aim to exploit their rest advantage, while Draymond Green’s history of verbal jabs at Minnesota adds spice to this matchup.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets – Game 1

Time: Ongoing (close score reported earlier)
Channel: TNT
Location: Oklahoma City
Context: A recent update indicated a nail-biter with the Thunder leading 117-116 and 12.9 seconds left in Game 1. The Nuggets, coming off a Game 7 rout of the Clippers, rely on Nikola Jokić’s dominance, while OKC’s young core looks to make a statement. This series, which kicked off May 5, promises high-octane action as both teams vie for Western Conference supremacy.

Recent Highlights and Takeaways

Warriors’ Game 7 Triumph: Golden State’s win over Houston was a masterclass in resilience. Buddy Hield’s 33 points, including six 3-pointers in the first half, set an NBA record for a Game 7 first half. The Warriors avoided blowing a 3-1 lead, a painful memory from their 2016 Finals collapse. They now face a daunting challenge against Minnesota, with little recovery time.
Pacers’ Upset in Game 1: Indiana’s Game 1 victory over Cleveland showcased their speed and depth. Haliburton’s playmaking overwhelmed the Cavs, who missed Garland’s scoring. Cleveland’s rest advantage after sweeping Miami hasn’t translated yet, and they’ll need adjustments to counter Indiana’s pace.
Knicks vs. Celtics Thriller: Although played yesterday, the Knicks’ 108-105 overtime win over the Celtics in Game 1 is still buzzing. OG Anunoby’s 29 points, including a clutch dunk in OT, gave New York a 1-0 lead. Game 2 is set for tomorrow, May 7, at 7:00 PM ET on TNT.

Warriors as Underdogs: For the first time in over a decade, Golden State enters a playoff series as underdogs (+170 against Minnesota). Their last series win as underdogs was in 2013 against Denver. Can Curry, Hield, and Jimmy Butler defy the odds?
Nuggets’ Coaching Shakeup: Denver’s sudden firing of their coach and GM has raised eyebrows, especially after their Game 7 blowout over the Clippers. How this impacts their series against OKC remains to be seen.
KAT vs. Horford Buzz: Social media is abuzz with Karl-Anthony Towns’ struggles against veteran Al Horford’s defense in a recent game. Fans noted Horford’s surprising agility, with some calling it a “Dominican on Dominican crime” due to their shared heritage. This matchup could be pivotal in the Timberwolves-Warriors series. (Trending on X)

Looking Ahead

Tonight’s games set the tone for the second round. Can the Cavaliers bounce back at home? Will the Warriors pull off an upset against a rested Timberwolves squad? And who’ll claim the edge in the Thunder-Nuggets clash? Stay tuned to TNT and Max for live action, and follow social media for real-time reactions.

For more updates, check out NBA.com or ESPN’s playoff coverage. The 2025 NBA Finals tip off June 5 on ABC—mark your calendars

Note: All times are Eastern Time (ET). Game details and outcomes are based on the latest available reports as of May 6, 2025.