As the NBA Playoffs continue to heat up, Friday night delivers a pivotal slate of Game 3 matchups that could shift the momentum of multiple first-round series. With teams either looking to pull off a commanding sweep or claw their way back into contention, fans can expect edge-of-the-seat action across both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
Boston heads to Orlando with a 2-0 lead in their series, but injuries to key players mean the Celtics must dig deep to keep control against a Magic team returning to a favourable home court. Meanwhile, Milwaukee finds itself in a rare and dangerous 0-2 hole, but with Game 3 at Fiserv Forum, Doc Rivers’ Bucks have a chance to reset the tone against the high-flying Pacers. Finally, the Lakers and Timberwolves are locked at one apiece, and Game 3 in Minnesota could be the swing point that defines the series. Here’s your comprehensive preview for each of these high-stakes matchups.
Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic
Match Info
- Competition: NBA Playoffs – Eastern Conference First Round, Game 3
- Time: Friday 25th April 2025 – 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (Saturday)
- Venue: Kia Center, Orlando, USA
Boston Celtics
The Celtics arrive in Orlando with a 2-0 series advantage, but the road ahead is far from smooth. Despite missing Jayson Tatum in Game 2 and managing Jaylen Brown through a nagging knee injury, Boston’s depth has proven to be a difference-maker. Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis have stepped up offensively, while Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard has almost outpaced Orlando’s entire bench production. With Jrue Holiday now questionable due to a hamstring strain, the Celtics could be forced to lean even harder on Brown, who logged 42 minutes and carried the scoring load last time out. As the physical toll mounts, Boston’s resilience will be tested in a hostile Florida environment.
Orlando Magic
Returning home, the Magic find themselves needing a significant shift in performance if they’re to avoid a 0-3 deficit. Despite strong outings from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the supporting cast has underwhelmed, with the team struggling from beyond the arc, the free-throw line, and on the glass. Orlando’s defensive fouls have given Boston far too many opportunities, and the disparity in calls has not gone unnoticed by head coach Jamahl Mosley. Still, the Magic boast a strong home record against the Celtics this season and will hope the familiar surroundings spark a turnaround, much like last year’s pattern of home dominance in their seven-game series against Cleveland.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Boston Celtics to win
Boston’s depth, discipline, and postseason experience give them the edge, even with injury concerns. Unless Orlando can drastically alter its bench impact and free-throw discipline, the Celtics should have enough firepower to clinch a narrow win.
America Bet Score Prediction
Boston Celtics 104 – 99 Orlando Magic
Expect a closer contest than Games 1 and 2, but Boston’s late-game execution should see them over the line.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Boston Celtics to win
- Under 205.5 total points
- Jaylen Brown over 29.5 points
- Paolo Banchero over 24.5 points
- Payton Pritchard over 11.5 points
- Celtics -3.5 handicap
- Both teams to score over 95 points
- Franz Wagner over 2.5 three-pointers made
- Total free throws made – Over 40.5
- First quarter winner – Boston Celtics
Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks
Match Info
- Competition: NBA Playoffs – Eastern Conference First Round, Game 3
- Time: Friday 25th April 2025 – 20:00 EST / 01:00 BST (Saturday)
- Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, USA
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers hold a 2-0 series lead, thanks to energetic two-way play and superb individual efforts. Pascal Siakam has become a postseason hero, delivering clutch shots and maintaining a presence on the boards. Tyrese Haliburton has dictated the tempo, combining scoring and playmaking to keep Milwaukee’s defence guessing. Their Game 2 win wasn’t without pressure – the Bucks cut a 16-point deficit to just two – but Indiana held firm when it mattered most. With no major injuries and confidence surging, Rick Carlisle’s men look determined to prove their regular-season form wasn’t a fluke.
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is in unfamiliar territory. Down 0-2, but finally back on home court, the Bucks must respond. Giannis Antetokounmpo has done everything asked of him, with a monstrous 34-point, 18-rebound Game 2 performance. Damian Lillard’s return from injury is a welcome sight, but he is still working his way back to full rhythm. The real issue for Milwaukee lies in defensive lapses and lacklustre bench shooting. If Rivers can coax more out of his rotation—especially from deep threats like Gary Trent Jr.—the Bucks could bounce back. But the margin for error is shrinking quickly.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Milwaukee Bucks to win
Back at home with their stars healthy and desperate to avoid going 0-3, the Bucks should rally with a powerful statement win. Giannis and Lillard have the experience to turn this series around—starting now.
America Bet Score Prediction
Indiana Pacers 111 – 117 Milwaukee Bucks
Expect a high-scoring, end-to-end affair with the Bucks edging it through a dominant second half and home-court momentum.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Milwaukee Bucks to win
- Over 226.5 total points
- Giannis Antetokounmpo over 32.5 points
- Pascal Siakam over 21.5 points
- Tyrese Haliburton double-double – Yes
- Damian Lillard over 2.5 three-pointers made
- Both teams to score 110+ points
- Bobby Portis over 7.5 rebounds
- First half winner – Milwaukee Bucks
- Game to be decided by 6-10 points
Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves
Match Info
- Competition: NBA Playoffs – Western Conference First Round, Game 3
- Time: Friday 25th April 2025 – 21:30 EST / 02:30 BST (Saturday)
- Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, USA
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers managed to split their opening two games at home, bouncing back in Game 2 with an intense 94-85 win. Luka Doncic continues to spearhead their attack, averaging 34 points per game and hitting efficiently from all areas. LeBron James, ever the playoff constant, has contributed both leadership and scoring, though the Lakers still seek more balance from their secondary unit. Coach JJ Redick emphasised the unpredictable nature of playoff games, and he’ll know a grinding, defensive game might favour his side’s veterans as the series shifts to Minneapolis.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves’ Game 2 loss snapped a dominant run and exposed cracks in their offence, which posted a season-low 85 points. Still, Anthony Edwards remains the key spark, and with the series tied, Minnesota returns to the Target Center with belief. They’ve shown strong form at home all year and will rely on their supporting cast—Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels—to rise to the occasion. Coach Chris Finch has called for focus and discipline, especially with decision-making and defensive communication, and the Timberwolves will need a hot start to re-establish control.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Minnesota Timberwolves to win
Minnesota has consistently delivered at home and will benefit from a return to familiar territory. Expect a fired-up opening quarter and a crowd that could tip the balance their way.
America Bet Score Prediction
Los Angeles Lakers 101 – 107 Minnesota Timberwolves
While Doncic will push the pace, the Timberwolves should respond with defensive resilience and timely scoring to edge ahead late.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Minnesota Timberwolves to win
- Under 210.5 total points
- Luka Doncic over 32.5 points
- Anthony Edwards over 23.5 points
- Julius Randle over 8.5 rebounds
- LeBron James to record 5+ assists
- Naz Reid over 1.5 three-pointers made
- First quarter total under 52.5 points
- Timberwolves to win by 1-5 points
- Total combined turnovers – Over 25.5
