NBA Playoffs 1st Round Predictions

The NBA playoffs begin on Saturday, with the final two spots secured on Friday night - the Orlando Magic obliterated the Charlotte Hornets 121-90, and the Phoenix Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors 111-96 in a game that saw Devin Booker and Draymond Green receive late double technical fouls and subsequent ejections. Head coach Steve Kerr embraced Green and Steph Curry in the final seconds. Kerr’s contract with the Warriors is up, and if the embrace was any indication, he will not be back. 

In 2026, there is a youth movement in both conferences, with the Detroit Pistons tops in the East, the Oklahoma City Thunder continuing their dominance out West, and the San Antonio Spurs nipping at the Thunder’s heels. 

Eastern Conference 

Pistons (1) vs. Orlando (8)

The Pistons won 60 games and were wire to wire the best in the Eastern Conference, while the Magic led by Paolo Banchero’s 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists won the 45 games. Franz Wagner was limited to just 34 games but averaged 20.6 points per game, while Desmond Bane averaged 20.1. Cade Cunningham emerged into superstardom this season, with averages of 23.9 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds. Jalen Duren became one of the game’s best centers, posting 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds. Banchero and Wagner are a dynamic tandem that may be able to get one game from the Pistons. 

Prediction: Pistons in 4. 

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Celtics (2) vs. 76ers (7)

Led by Jaylen Brown’s MVP-caliber season (28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists), the Celtics won 56 games. In 16 games since returning from his Achilles injury, Jayson Tatum has averaged 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Derrick White is one of the best two-way guards in the game, and Payton Pritchard is an offensive lightning rod. The 76ers earned the seven seed by virtue of a 109-97 win over the Magic in the Play-In. Tyrese Maxey played 70 games and averaged 28.3 points. Joel Embiid posted 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds but is dealing with appendicitis and is currently out, meaning Paul George will have to pick up some of the scoring slack. VJ Edgecomb impressive rookie campaign included 16.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game. He and Maxey will be tough to deal with. 

Prediction: Celtics in 6. 

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Knicks (3) vs. Hawks (6)

One of the more compelling first-round series, the Knicks winners of 53 games and the Hawks 46. Jalen Brunson remains the rock solid leader of the Knicks - 26.0 points and 6.8 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns averaged 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds. OG Anunoby averaged 16.7, Mikal Bridges 14.4, and Josh Hart 12.0 and 7.4 rebounds for the balanced Knicks. The Hawks decided to go in a different direction when they traded star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, but are led by emerging star Jalen Johnson (22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.9 assists) and former Minnesota Timberwolf Nickeil Alexander-Walker (20.8 points). Dyson Daniels is one of the best wing defenders in the NBA, and Jonathan Kuminga provides another scoring option as does Zaccharie Risacher. 

Prediction: Knicks in 7.

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Cavaliers (4) vs. Raptors (5)

Scottie Barnes (18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists) is the best that the Raptors (46-36) have to offer, a two-way star who has immensely improved his outside shooting. Brandon Ingram (21.5 points per game) is their top scorer, with RJ Barnett and Jakob Poeltl serving as complementary pieces. Point guard Immanuel Quickley is day-to-day, meaning the Raptors in the immediacy will depend on Jamal Shead at point guard. The Cavaliers won 52 games, and are led by a dynamic backcourt of Donovan Mitchell (27.9 points per game) and James Harden (20.5 points per game) while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen control the interior. 

Prediction: Cavaliers in 5.

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Western Conference 

Thunder (1) vs. Suns (8)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.1 points, 6.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds per game) made more history this season when he broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most consecutive games with 20 or more points. The Thunder won 64 games, and though the Spurs gave them a run, the Thunder remain the best in the West. Chet Holmgren, Lou Dort, Jalen Williams, and Isaiah Hartenstein found out a starting lineup that is as good as any in the NBA, with perimeter defenders abound. The Suns defeated the Warriors in the Play-In, and the team led by Devin Booker and Jalen Green can fill up the scoreboard. Green’s consistency is key though. Booker could explode for a game and allow the Suns to steal one. 

Prediction: Thunder in 5. 

Spurs (2) vs. Trail Blazers (7)

Victor Wembanyama emerged as a full-fledged MVP candidate leading the 62-win Spurs that boast 2024-25 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle as well as De’Aaron Fox and talented rookie Dylan Harper. The Trail Blazers (42-40) are led by Deni Avdija (24.2 points per game) while electric guard Shaedon Sharpe averaged 20.8 points in 29.4 minutes. Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant provide strong veteran leadership for an otherwise young group. Donovan Clingan is tough in the middle, but the Spurs present too many issues. 

Prediction: Spurs in 4. 

Nuggets (3) vs. Timberwolves (6)

This has a strong chance to be the best series of the opening round. Anthony Edwards, one of the best guards in the game, meets Nikola Jokic, widely regarded as the game’s best player. Jokic (27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game) became the first center in league history to lead in both rebounds per game and assists per game in the same season. A lot will be on Rudy Gobert to provide resistance to Jokic. Jamal Murray needs to be consistent and play big. Jaden McDaniels is one of the best wing defenders in the game, trade acquisition Ayo Dosunmu has averaged 14.4 points in 24 games with the ‘Wolves, and Julius Randle (21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists) continues to be one of the best offensive power forwards. 

Prediction: Timberwolves in 7. 

Lakers (4) vs. Rockets (5)

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves remain out for the Lakers, meaning that a heaping load of responsibility falls on the shoulders of 41-year-old LeBron James. James (20.9 points, 7.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds per game) will be flanked by Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and Deandre Ayton. Ayton needs to play at a high level to counter Rockets’ star Alperen Sengun. Amen Thompson defensively will garner a lot of the LeBron assignment. This may be the last playoff duel that we get to see between James and Kevin Durant. Let’s enjoy it. 

Prediction: Rockets in 6.