2026 NBA Playoffs: Second Round Preview
As the second stage of the 2026 NBA playoffs kicks off, the competition heats up with just eight teams vying for a spot in the finals. The Eastern Conference features a thrilling series as the top-seeded Detroit Pistons turned the tables on the Orlando Magic, rallying from a 3-1 deficit to claim three consecutive victories. They will face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who secured their advancement by outlasting the Toronto Raptors in a tense Game 7 showdown. Additionally, the Philadelphia 76ers have earned their place in the semifinals where they will meet the New York Knicks.
Western Conference Matchups
On the other side of the bracket, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are the reigning champions, swept the Phoenix Suns without a hitch, winning all four games in their initial playoff series. They will commence their semifinals campaign against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs, led by the standout Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama, completed their series against the Portland Trail Blazers with a five-game victory, paving their way to a clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are coping without their star player Anthony Edwards since Game 4.
Analysts’ Predictions
After an exhilarating first round, basketball analysts have shared their predictions for the upcoming matchups in the second round:
Eastern Conference Matchups
Detroit Pistons (1) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (4)
- Vincent Goodwill: Pistons in 7
- Zach Kram: Pistons in 7
- Bobby Marks: Pistons in 5
- Anthony Slater: Pistons in 7
- Andre Snellings: Cavaliers in 7
- Marc J. Spears: Cavaliers in 7
- Ohm Youngmisuk: Pistons in 7
- Michael C. Wright: Pistons in 7
New York Knicks (3) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (7)
- Vincent Goodwill: Knicks in 6
- Zach Kram: Knicks in 6
- Bobby Marks: 76ers in 7
- Anthony Slater: Knicks in 6
- Ohm Youngmisuk: Knicks in 7
- Ramona Shelburne: Knicks in 7
- Marc J. Spears: Knicks in 7
- Andre Snellings: 76ers in 7
- Jamal Collier: Knicks in 7
Western Conference Matchups
Oklahoma City Thunder (1) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (4)
- Vincent Goodwill: Thunder in 5
- Zach Kram: Thunder in 5
- Bobby Marks: Thunder in 5
- Anthony Slater: Thunder in 5
- Marc J. Spears: Thunder in 5
- Ohm Youngmisuk: Thunder in 6
- Ramona Shelburne: Thunder in 5
- Andre Snellings: Thunder in 6
- Michael C. Wright: Thunder in 5
- Jamal Collier: Thunder in 5
San Antonio Spurs (2) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (6)
- Vincent Goodwill: Spurs in 6
- Zach Kram: Spurs in 5
- Bobby Marks: Spurs in 5
- Anthony Slater: Spurs in 6
- Marc J. Spears: Spurs in 5
- Ohm Youngmisuk: Spurs in 7
- Ramona Shelburne: Spurs in 7
- Andre Snellings: Spurs in 6
- Michael C. Wright: Spurs in 6
- Jamal Collier: Spurs in 6
