After a week of six play-in games, the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs opens this weekend with four games on Saturday (April 19) and four on Sunday that could begin answering a wide range of questions:

While Nikola Jokić is the best player in this series, the Clippers have proven they can play at an elite level on both ends. A sense of familiarity should bring added chippiness to this intriguing 1st-round matchup. Shaq, Chuck and Kenny headline 10 media members delivering their picks for the opening round.