The 2025 NBA Playoffs have delivered on all the drama and intensity fans hoped for, with buzzer-beaters and unexpected upsets reshaping the road to the championship. Now, the Western Conference Finals are just around the corner.
Out West, the race has been nothing short of a spectacle—highlight-reel performances, fierce rivalries reignited, and coaching masterclasses defining each round. The stage is nearly set for what promises to be another epic showdown.
As anticipation builds, questions linger: when will the next chapter unfold, and which team will seize momentum first? The official tip-off date for the Western Conference Finals is finally here and it might be sooner than some expected.
What’s the start date for the Western Conference Finals?
The Western Conference Finals are scheduled to begin on Sunday, May 18, if the Oklahoma City Thunder close out their series in Game 6. However, if the Denver Nuggets force a Game 7, the opening game will shift to Tuesday, May 20, according to the NBA’s provisional calendar.
Jonathan Kuminga defends Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs in 2025. (Source: Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves have already secured their place in the West Finals after taking down the Golden State Warriors 121–110 in Game 5 of the semifinals. It’s the second year in a row that Minnesota has reached this stage.
The NBA has mapped out both potential schedules, with the series following the traditional 2–2–1–1–1 format. That means fans could be watching Game 1 tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET either this Sunday or the following Tuesday.
Which teams are battling for a spot in the Finals?
The Minnesota Timberwolves have already punched their ticket to the Western Conference Finals, showcasing stellar performances from Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. Edwards has been a standout, averaging 26.5 points per game.
Their opponent will be determined by the outcome of the series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder currently lead the series 3–2, with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday, May 15.
The Thunder have had a remarkable season, finishing with a league-best 68–14 record. The Nuggets, on the other hand, are the defending NBA champions and are looking to make a return to the Finals.
