
NBA playoffs 2026: Previewing the second round
Our NBA insiders answer the biggest questions heading into the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Our NBA insiders answer the biggest questions heading into the second round of the NBA playoffs.

The 2026 NBA playoffs first round features three Game 7s in the Eastern Conference for just the second time since 2003. The Philadelphia 76ers already advanced by eliminating the Boston Celtics, setting up a second-round matchup with the New York Knicks. Two Game 7s remain on Sunday: Cleveland Cavaliers host Toronto Raptors (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock) with Cleveland favored at 60.1%, and Detroit Pistons host Orlando Magic (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) with Detroit favored at 78.9%.

The 2026 NBA Playoffs Western Conference first round features four series in various stages. The top-seeded Thunder completed a sweep of the Suns, becoming the fourth defending champion to win first-round games by 10+ points. The Spurs eliminated the Trail Blazers 4-1 behind Devin Vassell's leadership and Julian Champagnie's hot shooting. The Lakers hold a 3-2 lead over the Rockets despite LeBron's 25-point effort in Game 5, with Houston's Jabari Smith Jr. claiming they're 'the better team.' The Timberwolves lead the Nuggets 3-2 after Denver's role players stepped up in Game 5.

The 2026 NBA playoffs began with the Denver Nuggets defeating Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105 as Jamal Murray scored 30 points and Nikola Jokic recorded his 22nd postseason triple-double. The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 107-98 despite Kevin Durant's absence, with LeBron James recording 19 points, 12 assists and 8 rebounds. The Oklahoma City Thunder routed the Phoenix Suns 119-84 in the most lopsided Game 1 of the weekend.