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2025 NBA playoffs: Western Conference first-round takeaways

The 2024-25 NBA playoffs are underway, and our NBA insiders have you covered for every game in the march to the Finals.

Aside from the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder and their season-long hold on the top overall spot, the playoff race in the Western Conference was constantly in flux. That set up some high-powered matchups in this first round -- highlighted by LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the No. 3 seed Los Angeles Lakers taking on Anthony Edwards and the 6-seed Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Houston Rockets were one of the season's most improved teams, finishing as the No.