By Patrick Mostboeck, SVP of Fan Engagement

With the NBA Playoffs in full swing, fan excitement is at a peak—every moment counts, and the intensity is palpable. At Sportradar, we understand the passion, and since 2016, we’ve evolved from a data distributor to an innovation partner with the NBA. Using AI, computer vision, and predictive insights, we’re transforming postseason basketball into a personalized, interactive experience—delivering the right content at the right time to over 2 billion global fans.

Sportradar leverages AI and advanced proprietary technology to elevate the fan experience to new heights, processing hundreds of thousands of data points per game to provide greater context and create more immersive, personalized experiences. Welcome to the playoffs, your way-offs. Dynamic, compelling, data-driven – this is basketball the way the fans like it, helping both media companies and sportsbooks unlock new revenue streams and growth opportunities.

* Stats from May 1, 2025, before NBA Playoffs Round 1, Game 6: New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons.

This post-season our AI solutions, like 4sight, are redefining how fans experience the game. By powering real-time insights, dynamic visuals, and data-driven storytelling, broadcasters can deliver a deeper, more immersive narrative around every possession. From highlighting clutch moments to illustrating defensive adjustments and momentum swings, AI enables a level of context and personalization that resonates with both diehard fans and casual viewers alike. The result? Smarter broadcasts, more engaged audiences, and a new standard for live sports coverage.

* New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson scores 40 points in Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs Round 1 vs Detroit Pistons.

This evolution in the fan experience is also about personalization, bringing viewers closer to the action through real-time data, interactive content, and tailored storytelling. Whether it’s tracking a favorite player, engaging with live polls, or following in-game betting lines directly within the NBA League Pass stream through our emBET solution, today’s fans expect a viewing experience that matches their interests. AI makes that possible, turning every playoff game into a personalized journey from tip-off to final buzzer.

As media consumption evolves, so do fan expectations. Next-gen viewers expect their coverage to be interactive, customizable, and tailored to their interests. Inspired by the pace and personalization of social media, they expect real-time updates, multiple perspectives, and the ability to engage with the game on their own terms. For broadcasters and rights holders, this marks a shift from passive viewing to active participation – an opportunity to reshape the future of live sports.

The hype around playoffs presents an ideal opportunity to integrate social engagement within sportsbook platforms, as we do through our Virtual Stadium solution. With features like real-time chat rooms, fan polls, and interactive betting tools, sportsbooks are evolving into dynamic social hubs. These platforms foster community engagement, enhance user experiences, and increase session durations by keeping fans connected and engaged throughout the game. By creating an integrated live experience with real-time updates and AI-powered moderation, sportsbooks are not just enhancing betting, they’re transforming the entire fan interaction landscape.

The playoffs are a high-stakes environment, and predictive AI is transforming how bettors engage with the game. By processing live data and historical trends, AI anticipates key moments, such as which player is likely to score next. For bettors, this real-time insight offers a significant strategic advantage, providing a deeper understanding of win probabilities and in-play opportunities. It’s not just about watching the game, it’s about empowering bettors with the information they need to make informed decisions and enhance their postseason experience.

Sportradar envisions a world where every fan is uniquely connected to their favorite teams and sports, and where every game becomes an engaging and interactive experience. We are redefining the standards of fan engagement and we’re just getting started. It’s a level of excitement and innovation that must feel similar to when fans first watched Michael Jordan take flight.

In the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Indiana Pacers are making headlines with their unexpected success. After a midseason slump, the Pacers have surged into the postseason, giving the Cleveland Cavaliers a run for their money. Their success in the playoffs marks a significant achievement for the franchise and underscores the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball. Their journey is a testament to resilience and strategic adjustments, qualities that resonate deeply with fans and are amplified through AI-driven storytelling. By highlighting such underdog stories, AI not only enhances the viewing experience but also deepens the emotional connection between fans and the game.

* Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton scores 31 points in Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 13, 2025.

As the 2025 NBA Playoffs unfold, AI is the real MVP. This postseason, the NBA and Sportradar are redefining how basketball is consumed: immersive, data-driven, hyper-personalized, and powered by AI. The stakes have never been higher, and neither has the opportunity to connect with fans in meaningful new ways.

AI is transforming the playoff experience, and we’re proud to partner with the NBA to deliver the future of sports engagement today.