NBA Playoffs 2026 Predictions

First Round

East

(1) Pistons vs. (8) Magic - Pistons in 6

(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Raptors - Cavaliers in 5

(3) Knicks vs. (6) Hawks - Knicks in 6

(2) Celtics vs. (7) 76ers - Celtics in 5

West

(1) Thunder vs. (8) Suns - Thunder in 4

(4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets - Lakers in 6

(3) Nuggets vs. (6) Timberwolves - Nuggets in 6

(2) Spurs vs. (7) Trail Blazers - Spurs in 4

---

Second Round

East

(1) Pistons vs. (4) Cavaliers - Pistons in 7

(3) Knicks vs. (2) Celtics - Celitcs in 6

West

(1) Thunder vs. (4) Lakers - Thunder in 5

(3) Nuggets vs. (2) Spurs - Nuggets in 7

---

Conference Finals

East

(1) Pistons vs. (2) Celtics - Celtics in 7

West

(1) Thunder vs. (3) Nuggets - Thunder in 6

---

NBA Finals

(2) Celtics vs. (1) Thunder - Thunder in 7

SGA Finals MVP

---

Final Thoughts

• I'm very doubtful the Pistons will make it to the finals (I'm hate watching them and the Magic)
• Celtics lowkey sleeper
• My poor Hornets will again not make it to the playoffs in 10 seasons
• Rockets are dysfunctional
• Nuggets and Spurs will feed families