NBA Playoffs 2025: Ranking the 50 Most Impactful Players

Who will be the deciding factors in the NBA playoffs over the next couple of months?

Welcome to NBA Rank: 2025 Playoffs Edition, where experts have ranked the 50 players expected to have the biggest impact as teams battle through the postseason.

Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP favorite, lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first championship as the top seed? Will Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP, secure another title to solidify his Hall of Fame legacy? How far can Luka Doncic and LeBron James, in his 18th playoff appearance, carry the Los Angeles Lakers?

While these stars will undoubtedly play significant roles in their teams` playoff journeys, it`s often the supporting players who step up on the grandest stage and determine the outcome of series. This list includes crucial veterans, young players experiencing their first playoffs, and many who could emerge as unexpected stars.

Let`s dive into the rankings, starting with No. 50 and counting down to the top player in the 2025 playoffs.

Note: A panel of over 150 reporters, editors, producers, and analysts ranked players based on their anticipated impact—both in terms of quality and quantity—during the 2025 playoffs.

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50. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic

Playoff career: 18.9 PTS | 6.9 REB | 4.4 AST (7 games)

Before a torn labrum in early December, Wagner was on track for his first All-Star selection and All-NBA consideration. In the season`s first month, he had eight games with at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Since returning from injury, he`s averaged 24 points over 35 games. A concern remains his perimeter shooting struggles. In last year`s first-round loss to Cleveland, Wagner shot 26.5% from 3-point range. This season, he shot below 30% for the second consecutive year. Orlando`s record was six games above .500 in the 60 games he played. — Bobby Marks

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49. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Playoff career: 13.8 PTS | 6.7 REB | 1.9 BLK (43 games)

Turner, a 10-year veteran, has been the defensive anchor for Indiana, whose defense significantly improved this season, moving up to 14th in defensive rating after being 24th in 2023-24. Turner contested 213 more 2-pointers defensively than any teammate. Opponents shot 8.7 percentage points worse than their season averages near the basket when defended by Turner, putting him on par with rim deterrents like Ivica Zubac, Draymond Green, and Evan Mobley, all Defensive Player of the Year candidates. — Chris Herring

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48. Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder

Playoff career: 5.7 PTS | 5.9 REB | 57.4 FG% (26 games)

The Thunder invested in Hartenstein as a starting-caliber center, and he justified every cent in the first year of his $87 million, three-year contract. Hartenstein set career highs in points (11.2), rebounds (10.7), and assists (3.8) while anchoring the league`s top defense. His combination of physicality, touch around the rim, and basketball intelligence was vital to OKC achieving the best point differential in NBA history. — Tim MacMahon

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47. Norman Powell, LA Clippers

Playoff career: 9.2 PTS | 39.2 3P% | 2.1 REB (84 games)

Powell began the season explosively, becoming a primary scorer while Leonard recovered from a knee injury, making a strong case for his first All-Star selection. Although injury and Leonard`s return to peak form have slightly affected Powell in his recent games, he`s capable of getting hot instantly and leading the team in scoring if needed. — Ohm Youngmisuk

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46. Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets

Playoff career: 16.0 PTS | 0.9 STL | 3.1 REB (22 games)

Brooks has a history of rivalry with the Golden State Warriors and their fans. This rivalry will continue as Brooks, likely tasked with guarding Stephen Curry, aims to help the young Rockets, as a 2-seed, defeat the veteran Warriors in the first round. — Tim Bontemps

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45. Al Horford, Boston Celtics

Playoff career: 12.2 PTS | 8 REB | 39.1 3P%

Horford, at 38, is one of the NBA`s oldest players yet still significantly impacts one of the league`s best teams. This is sometimes overshadowed by LeBron James` remarkable longevity, but it`s not overlooked in Boston. The Celtics have carefully managed Horford`s minutes and games to prepare him for a deep playoff run, where he is expected to play a crucial role. — Bontemps

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44. Luguentz Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder

Playoff career: 11.4 PTS | 4.3 REB | 0.9 STL (16 games)

Dort`s teammates call him `DPOY` for good reason. He consistently defends the toughest perimeter players, often holding leading scorers below their usual averages. He combines the physicality of a linebacker with the agility of a cornerback. Dort, once known for poor shooting after going undrafted, has developed into a dangerous 3-point shooter, hitting a career-best 41.2% this season. — MacMahon

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43. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat

Playoff career: 14.3 PTS | 4.3 REB | 3.4 AST (46 games)

This season marked a breakthrough for Herro, earning his first All-Star selection and leading Miami through the play-in tournament with strong performances against Chicago and Atlanta. For the Heat to make another unexpected playoff push from the play-in, Herro must maintain his production to compete with the Cavaliers` high-powered offense. — Bontemps

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42. Josh Hart, New York Knicks

Playoff career: 12.6 PTS | 9.6 REB | 3.5 AST (24 games)

Hart is a unique, versatile player for New York. He`s known for his hustle, leading the NBA in recovered loose balls, and this season broke Clyde Frazier`s 56-year-old Knicks record for triple-doubles with nine. However, watch how defenses guard him in the playoffs, as Hart shot just 34% from three when wide open, among the league`s lowest. — Herring

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41. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

Playoff career: 24.2 PTS | 6.2 AST | 38.9 3P% (65 games)

Murray missed six late-season games due to a hamstring injury initially considered minor but became more serious. During this period, the Nuggets replaced coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth. Murray returned for the final two regular-season games, scoring 15 and 16 points, respectively. For the Nuggets to contend, Nikola Jokic needs Murray at his peak. When Murray is playing at his best, he and Jokic are one of the most potent duos in playoff history. — Youngmisuk

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40. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Playoff career: 15.7 PTS | 2.1 BLK | 6.8 REB (23 games)

Jackson`s offensive improvement in isolation situations is underrated, especially his consistent 3-point shooting (4-of-5 in Memphis` playoff-clinching win over Dallas, 37.5% in the regular season). He faces a tough matchup against OKC`s Chet Holmgren, a second-year center with similar offensive skills. — Michael C. Wright

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39. Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks

Playoff career: 13.1 PTS | 37.9 3P% | 4.5 REB (39 games)

Bridges has performed well in his first season with the Knicks, taking on different defensive roles. While generally solid, his performances have varied, with better games against weaker teams and less impressive ones against top opponents. The playoffs offer a chance to address this, especially with shot selection. His midrange game, where he shot nearly 51% and ranked third in the NBA among high-volume shooters, could be valuable when the game slows down. — Herring

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38. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves

Playoff career: 17.1 PTS | 9.4 REB | 3.7 AST (15 games)

Randle`s past playoff experiences have been challenging. In 2021, he shot 30% from the field in a five-game Knicks loss. In 2023, despite ankle injuries, he shot 37%, with his scoring dropping from 25.1 to 16.6 points per game compared to the regular season. On a deeper Minnesota team, Randle will face less pressure to create offense but needs to contribute shooting and playmaking. — Kevin Pelton

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37. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves

Playoff career: 13.2 PTS | 1.6 BLK | 11.0 REB (69 games)

Rumors of Gobert`s playoff struggles are overstated. Like most stars, Gobert plays more minutes in the playoffs (33.5) than in the regular season (32.6). While playoff spacing can limit his rim protection impact, the bigger challenge against small lineups, like the Lakers might use, will be making them pay offensively with putbacks and lobs. — Pelton

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36. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Playoff career: 27.3 PTS | 8.6 AST | 6.8 REB (19 games)

Morant`s paint-attacking style will be tested against Oklahoma City, who allow the fewest paint points per game (42.5). Memphis leads the league in drives per game (60.3). Morant must consistently penetrate the paint to significantly impact this series for the eighth-seeded Grizzlies. — Wright

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35. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers

Playoff career: 17.3 PTS | 6.6 REB | 3.1 AST (70 games)

Siakam was key to Indiana`s Eastern Conference finals run last season after joining mid-season, even putting up better stats than during Toronto`s 2019 championship run. He`s an offensive threat and a defensive difference-maker: Indiana was 5-0 this season when Siakam had at least four combined steals and blocks. — Dave McMenamin

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34. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

Playoff career: 16.3 PTS | 9.1 RPG | 52.3 FG% (74 games)

Adebayo had a less impactful season, especially offensively, but a strong finish helped Miami reach the playoffs. He also defended well in the play-in tournament, holding opponents to 32% shooting. In the first round against Cleveland, Miami needs Adebayo at his best to challenge the top-seeded Cavaliers. — Bontemps

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33. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Playoff career: 27.0 PTS | 8.6 REB | 40.0 3P% (7 games)

Like Wagner, Banchero was All-Star caliber before a torn labrum sidelined him early in the season. In his first five games, he had three 30-plus point games, including a 50-point career high against Indiana. He finished the regular season with career highs in points (25.6) and rebounds (7.5). For Orlando to advance, Banchero needs to improve his 3-point shooting closer to the 40% he shot in last year`s first round against Cleveland, compared to 32% this season. Following Wagner`s $224 million extension, Orlando is expected to sign Banchero to a five-year, $247 million max contract this offseason. — Marks

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32. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets

Playoff career: None

Thompson effectively defended Stephen Curry in their last matchup on April 6, limiting him to 1-of-10 shooting. He will likely have this assignment again in the first-round series, and his performance against the two-time MVP will significantly impact Houston`s chances. Offensively, Thompson needs to improve his 3-point shooting (27.5%), but his willingness to take open shots should create opportunities for his rim attacks. — Wright

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31. Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics

Playoff career: 16.6 PTS | 6.3 AST | 1.4 STL (89 games)

Holiday has a smaller offensive role than in previous years since his rookie season, but the 34-year-old remains a defensive standout with a knack for crucial plays. He demonstrated this in last year`s playoffs, and Boston will rely on him for similar contributions in their upcoming playoff run. — Bontemps

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30. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers

Playoff career: 8.6 PTS | 7.1 REB | 57.7 FG% (45 games)

Zubac is having a career year, becoming a consistent contributor for the Clippers on both ends of the court. Averaging 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds, he`s vital to the Clippers` success and anchors their strong defense. Despite coach Ty Lue sometimes opting for smaller lineups in the past, Zubac could be key for the Clippers, especially if they face the Nuggets. Zubac is the only player to hold Nikola Jokic below 45% shooting among those who have defended him for 100+ shots since Jokic entered the league in 2015-16. — Youngmisuk

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29. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Playoff career: 11.6 PTS | 8.9 REB | 1.5 STL (157 games)

Green, a Defensive Player of the Year contender, remains the Warriors` defensive strategist and can disrupt opponents` plays. Golden State has improved since Butler`s arrival, with Green starting at center and competing against larger opponents. Rebounding and turnovers are issues when the Warriors struggle, and Green plays a role in these areas. Green has been more controlled emotionally this season, with only one ejection compared to four and an indefinite suspension last season. This control is crucial in the postseason as the Warriors need him to protect the paint and defend inside, while also managing his emotions against familiar rivals like Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams. — Youngmisuk

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28. Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets

Playoff career: 14.3 PTS | 6.4 REB | 3.0 AST (52 games)

Gordon missed 31 games due to injuries this season, and Denver won fewer games than the previous season, which is likely related. Gordon`s playmaking alongside Jokic and Murray makes Denver`s offense more challenging to defend, evidenced by their 10-2 record when Gordon had five or more assists this season. — McMenamin

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27. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers

Playoff career: 17.1 PTS | 5.5 AST | 1.2 STL (17 games)

Garland`s strong bounce-back season last year was interrupted by a broken jaw. There were considerations of breaking up the Garland-Mitchell backcourt last summer, but the Cavs maintained their duo, which proved wise. Garland had a productive offensive season sharing the load with Mitchell. His 3-point shooting was excellent until the break (43.1%), but declined afterward (to 33.5%), which is a concern. — Brian Windhorst

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26. Derrick White, Boston Celtics

Playoff career: 12.4 PTS | 39.4 3P% | 3.2 REB (72 games)

White, often underrated, has evolved from a hesitant 3-point shooter upon arriving in Boston to shooting 38% on over nine attempts per game this season. Combined with his strong defense, this arguably makes him Boston`s second most crucial player after Tatum. — Bontemps

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25. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks

Playoff career: 12.1 PTS | 40.0 3P% | 4.9 REB (36 games)

Anunoby is a premier 3-and-D player, known for strong defense and corner 3-point shooting. Late in the season, when Jalen Brunson was injured, Anunoby stepped up, averaging over 23 points efficiently. His self-created offense is significant, but his defense will be vital, especially as coach Tom Thibodeau plans to use him to guard Detroit star Cade Cunningham in the first round. — Herring

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24. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets

Playoff career: None

Sengun has been offensively effective against Draymond Green, averaging 14.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in eight matchups against the Warriors. However, his biggest impact in this series will likely be rebounding, especially in Houston`s lineups with Steven Adams. With both Sengun and Adams on the court, Houston`s offensive rating is 122.0 and defensive rating is 92.0, with a 66.4% rebounding percentage. — Wright

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23. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers

Playoff career: 11.7 PTS | 10.3 REB | 62.0 FG% (18 games)

Allen faced criticism after being sidelined with a rib injury during last year`s playoffs, but responded by playing all 82 games this season. He adjusted his role to support Mobley, conceding minutes, shots, and opportunities without complaint. Opponents will continue to test his physicality and toughness. — Windhorst

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22. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers

Playoff career: 16.9 PTS | 40.4 3P% | 4.3 AST (21 games)

Reaves had a career year in his fourth season, setting personal bests in points (20.2), assists (5.8), rebounds (4.5), and steals (1.1). After a strong playoff debut in 2023, Reaves is now a known threat, and teams will adjust their defenses to contain the 26-year-old guard. — McMenamin

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21. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Playoff career: 15.6 PTS | 7.2 REB | 2.5 BLK (10 games)

A pelvis fracture kept Holmgren out for over half of the season, likely costing him Defensive Player of the Year consideration. He`s an elite rim protector (2.3 blocks per game career) and moves well enough on the perimeter to play power forward alongside Isaiah Hartenstein. Holmgren`s 3-point shooting will be vital in the playoffs. He struggled last postseason, shooting only 26% from long range, significantly below his career average. — MacMahon

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20. James Harden, LA Clippers

Playoff career: 22.7 PTS | 6.4 AST | 1.6 STL (166 games)

When the Clippers started the season with Leonard sidelined and low expectations, Harden surprised with his leadership and playmaking. Despite Leonard`s current performance, Harden has been the Clippers` engine all season. He has elevated Zubac inside and provided Leonard with another All-Star, averaging 25.9 points, 10.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds, and 40% 3-point shooting in an undefeated April for the Clippers. His clutch shots, like two key 3-pointers in overtime against the Warriors, secured the fifth seed. If he maintains this form and Leonard stays healthy, the Clippers could make a deep playoff run. — Youngmisuk

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19. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

Playoff career: 18.7 PTS | 8.2 AST | 4.8 REB (15 games)

Haliburton began the season injured and underperformed in the first half, but regained All-NBA form around the All-Star break, averaging 20 points and 11 assists on 53% shooting afterward. He`s a polarizing playoff player; he drives Indiana`s fast-paced offense but can be defensively targeted late in games. His potential matchup with Damian Lillard will be intriguing in the first round. — Windhorst

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18. Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics

Playoff career: 14.6 PTS | 5.6 REB | 37.0 3P% (17 games)

Amidst discussions of opponent injuries during last year`s title run, Porzingis`s absence due to leg injuries was overlooked. Now healthy, Boston`s versatile big man, skilled in the post and from 3-point range, adds a new dimension to their playoff offense. — Bontemps

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17. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

Playoff career: 14.2 PTS | 9.5 REB | 1.9 BLK (17 games)

Mobley`s breakout season could earn him All-NBA and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Always a strong defender, Cleveland`s new coaching staff has enhanced his offensive role. He tripled his 3-point attempts and played more aggressively. Teams will test him on switches late in games, a tactic increasingly used later in the season. — Windhorst

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16. Jimmy Butler III, Golden State Warriors

Playoff career: 21.3 PTS | 6.2 REB | 1.7 STL (119 games)

Butler transformed the Warriors` season upon arrival in February. He unveiled `Playoff Jimmy` late in the regular season, scoring 30 against Leonard and 38 in a play-in win over Memphis. Butler seeks a title after two Finals appearances with the Heat. He`ll need to share scoring with Curry, manage non-Curry minutes, and form a defensive duo with Draymond Green, likened to `Pippen and Jordan` by coach Steve Kerr. — Youngmisuk

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15. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

Playoff career: None

Cunningham is a versatile player, a matchup problem as a 6-foot-6 point guard. He controls the Pistons` offense and is having his best season, with personal highs in points (26.1) and assists (9.1), shooting 46.9% and grabbing 6.1 rebounds. Despite no playoff experience, the former No. 1 pick is eager to lead a Detroit resurgence. Pistons owner Tom Gores praised his leadership and unselfishness. — Eric Woodyard

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14. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers

Playoff career: 21.3 PTS | 7.8 REB | 39.9 3P% (139 games)

Leonard faced questions after being replaced on Team USA before the Olympics and missing early Clippers camp due to knee issues. However, after a cautious return to address inflammation in his surgically repaired knee, Leonard has returned to form, scoring 20+ points in 15 straight games and playing significant minutes. Limited in past Clippers postseasons, Leonard aimed for peak health for the playoffs. — Youngmisuk

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13. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

Playoff career: 18.7 PTS | 6.8 REB | 5.4 AST (10 games)

Williams, a first-time All-Star in his third season, has become a top two-way wing. He`s among select players averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.5 steals this season, alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, Harden, and Doncic. Some question if Williams is a strong enough second option for a title run, citing his struggles in last year`s second round. — MacMahon

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12. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks

Playoff career: 18.8 PTS | 10.2 REB | 35.0 3P% (32 games)

Acquired during training camp, the Knicks valued Towns for his floor spacing. He met expectations, shooting a career-best 42% from deep and driving to the basket more often. His rebounding and passing were significant positives, but his rim protection, especially against top offenses, remains a concern in the playoffs. — Herring

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11. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Playoff career: 19.1 PTS | 5.6 REB | 2.4 AST (124 games)

Brown`s health is a key question for Boston`s title repeat attempt. He dealt with a knee bone bruise late in the season and received pain management. Boston may ease him into the playoffs if needed, but his peak performance, like in the 2024 East finals and NBA Finals, will be essential for a title. — Bontemps

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10. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

Playoff career: 23.9 PTS | 4.8 AST | 4.0 REB (49 games)

Brunson controlled the ball more than any NBA player this season and was highly impactful in clutch moments. The two-time All-Star shot 51.5% and led the NBA with 52 clutch baskets, despite missing nearly a month with an ankle sprain. His clutch performance will be vital against the Pistons, who have many young playoff debutants. — Herring

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9. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Playoff career: 28.4 PTS | 9.0 REB | 7.2 AST (287 games)

James holds the record for playoff games played with 287, equivalent to 3.5 extra seasons.

The question is: How much can the 40-year-old contribute in another playoff run for his fifth ring this spring? — McMenamin

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8. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Playoff career: 27.8 PTS | 6.0 REB | 5.5 AST (27 games)

Edwards dismissed concerns about too many 3-point attempts early in the season and then made a league-high 320 3-pointers at 39.5%, without reducing his free throw attempts. Edwards averaged a career-high 27.6 points with his best true shooting percentage and is expected to earn his second All-NBA honor. — Pelton

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7. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Playoff career: 27.0 PTS | 6.2 AST | 39.7 3P% (147 games)

Curry`s goal is to win a fifth ring. Butler`s arrival has revitalized him and the Warriors. After missing last year`s playoffs, Curry, at 37, is playing at a superstar level again. He scored 36 and 37 points in recent games against the Clippers and Grizzlies, hitting 13 combined 3-pointers. Despite a sprained thumb, Curry aims to perform against the physical Rockets, who limited him to 3 points on April 6. — Youngmisuk

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6. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Playoff career: 26.6 PTS | 12.0 REB | 5.2 AST (79 games)

Antetokounmpo again led the league in field goals and free throws attempted, taking on a larger offensive role with Middleton traded and Lillard playing only 58 games. He was even more efficient and averaged almost eight assists during Lillard`s absence, crucial as Lillard is sidelined with deep vein thrombosis at the start of the playoffs. Lillard`s return timeline is uncertain, but he was taken off blood thinners on April 17. — Pelton

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5. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Playoff career: 28.1 PTS | 5.0 AST | 5.0 REB (54 games)

Mitchell had an elite season as a leader. His collaboration with Kenny Atkinson to reduce his usage helped maximize the roster, especially Mobley. However, he experienced a shooting slump after the All-Star break (30.2% from deep), and the Cavs` performance declined, winning only eight of their last 15 games. — Windhorst

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4. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers

Playoff career: 30.9 PTS | 9.4 REB | 8.0 AST (50 games)

Dončić seeks redemption this postseason, aiming to overcome last year`s Finals disappointment and prove his former team wrong for trading him. He entered the playoffs strongly, averaging 34.4 points on 55.3% shooting (51.1% from 3), 6.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in his last five regular-season games, with L.A. going 4-1. — McMenamin

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3. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Playoff career: 27.7 PTS | 12.3 REB | 7.5 AST (80 games)

After averaging a triple-double for the season, Jokic enters his first postseason without Michael Malone as coach. The 2023 Finals MVP will likely be the best player in any series Denver plays, but the Nuggets` success depends on contributions from players like Gordon, Porter Jr., Murray, and Braun. — McMenamin

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2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Playoff career: 24.0 PTS | 7.9 REB | 4.9 AST (113 games)

Tatum remains a top NBA star, a two-way player set for his fourth straight All-NBA first team and top-five MVP finish. For the Celtics to repeat as champions, the first team in a decade to do so and the first Celtics team since Bill Russell, Tatum`s performance will be crucial. — Bontemps

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1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Playoff career: 21.7 PTS | 4.9 AST | 43.3 3P% (23 games)

Gilgeous-Alexander is the MVP front-runner, leading the league in scoring (32.7 points) and averaging a career-high 6.4 assists. He also contributed defensively (1.7 steals, 1.0 blocks) to the NBA`s top defense. Despite a second-round exit last season as a top seed, Gilgeous-Alexander`s playoff ability is undeniable. He was exceptional in last year`s series against Dallas, averaging 32.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals. — MacMahon