It's the most wonderful time of the year! No, not Christmas, but playoff basketball. Every possession matters more, the crowd is louder, and stars are made. The 2026 NBA Playoffs are already legendary, full of exciting moments, loud performances, and huge matchups. From Jalen Brunson’s perfect playmaking to Anthony Edwards’ explosive scoring and James Harden’s stellar shooting, this year’s playoffs show us why the playoffs are a whole different game.
Western Conference
#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #8 Phoenix Suns
The Thunder got past the Suns extremely easily, with Phoenix being unable to fight OKC’s pace long enough to get 4 wins. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged a smooth 30 points per game (PPG) and led the Thunder to a clean sweep.
RESULT: Thunder wins the series 4-0
#4 Los Angeles Lakers vs #5 Houston Rockets
This has been one of the most fun series in the playoffs this year. Watching Kevin Durant and LeBron James go at it like it’s 2017 is somewhat refreshing to a lot of NBA fans, especially because this is likely one of the last times we will see the stars from our childhoods play at this level. Junior Joseph Manza said “LeBron is truly the G.O.A.T., watching this series, you can’t even tell that he is 41. He is playing like it is 2008!” And he is not wrong. LeBron averaged 26 PPG, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds and led the Lakers to the next round without star Luka Doncic.
RESULT: Lakers win the series 4-2
#3 Denver Nuggets vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves
This has been one of the most exciting, emotional, intense, and passionate series we have seen in years. Watching these two teams play is so fun because you can tell the players really hate each other. The Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic has been leading Denver’s offense with 28 PPG and 12 assists. But Minnesota had an answer. Junior Ameer Salah said “Anthony Edwards is so exciting to watch, he dunks the ball with so much power and leads the team like prime Kobe Bryant.” Edwards is averaging 28 PPG and throwing down dunk after dunk while still shooting around 44% from the field.
RESULT: Timberwolves win the series 4-2
#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #7 Portland Trailblazers
This was another series dominated by the higher seed. The Spurs averaged 8.9 blocks per game as a team, absolute madness. Portland stood no chance until Victor Wembanyama went down with a concussion. The Trailblazers were able to steal one game but in the end it did not matter. San Antonio closes the series with a gentleman's sweep.
RESULT: Spurs win the series 4-1
Eastern Conference
#1 Detroit Pistons vs #8 Orlando Magic
Detroit was the clear favorite and they did end up making it out, but wow was it close. Orlando was able to force Game 7 and shock the world. Orlando’s defense shut down Detroit’s Jalen Duren and made the Pistons look silly. Cade Cunningham dropped 32 points in Game 7 to get Detroit the win.
RESULT: Pistons win the series 4-3
#4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #5 Toronto Raptors
This series has been a defensive masterclass and super even. Toronto averaged 112 PPG with the Cavs averaging 114 PPG. Toronto’s defensive pressure and rebounding helped to keep the games close. The Cavs’ ability to turn it up in the clutch, shooting over 50% in the 4th, is what really made these games so exciting. NBA fans were blessed with another Game 7 where Jarrett Allen was able to pull down 19 rebounds and get Cleveland the win.
RESULT: Cavaliers win the series 4-3
#3 New York Knicks vs #6 Atlanta Hawks
New York came out hot shooting almost 50% from three in game one. The Hawks won Game 2 by one singular point after CJ McCollum was able to score 32 points and steal the lead in the clutch. The Hawks were able to win Game 3 back in Atlanta and things were looking good for them. Something snapped in the Knicks players and they did not lose another game after this. The Knicks shot the lights out for the rest of the series and were able to win three straight in relatively easy fashion.
RESULT: Knicks win the series 4-2
#2 Boston Celtics vs #7 Philadelphia 76ers
Going into this series, everyone knew who would win. Boston was the clear favorite, expected to win in four games. Little did they know Philly was coming for vengeance. Tyrese Maxey was able to shock the world and lead the 6ers to a series win and bless us with another exciting game 7. Joel Embiid was able to stay healthy enough to exploit the Celtics’ lack of a legitimate center. Not only that, the Celtics shot unusually poor, and were unable to make adjustments and exploit strengths.
RESULT: 76ers win the series 4-3
As the playoffs continue, NBA fans get to continue to watch history be made. This year's playoffs are shaping up to be one of the best in years. As the stakes increase each possession gets bigger, each mistake becomes more costly, and each win gets harder. The postseason is the best part of the year and it will be exciting to watch the champion be crowned.
