2026 NBA playoffs: Predictions for every first-round series
2026 NBA playoffs: Predictions for every first-round series
Yahoo Sports StaffFri, April 17, 2026 at 4:09 PM UTC
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The first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs begins Saturday. Who will advance to the conference semis? Here are our staff predictions for every series.
Everything to know for the NBA playoffs: Predictions, series previews, X-factors
EASTERN CONFERENCE(2) Celtics vs. (7) 76ers
Dan Devine: Celtics in 5 Tom Haberstroh: Celtics in 5 Kelly Iko: Celtics in 4Morten StigJensen: Celtics in 5 Steve Jones: Celtics in 5 Kevin O'Connor: Celtics in 4BenRohrbach: Celtics in 6 Dan Titus: Celtics in 5
Joel Embiid will miss the start, if not all, of the first-round series against the Celtics because of an appendectomy. So odds are Philadelphia’s season is over. But if the Sixers hang on, and if Embiid comes back, it’s gonna be because they replenished his scoring elsewhere. Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and VJ Edgecombe will handle most of that. But there needs to be another guy. There will need to be a Quentin Grimes Game. — O’Connor
Given all of Boston’s efficiencies — fewest turnovers per game, third in made 3s per game and top-five in offensive rebounding rate — it is hard to imagine the Sixers manufacturing enough points, even with Maxey, Edgecombe and George as options. — Rohrbach
Read the full 76ers-Celtics preview
(3) Knicks vs. (6) Hawks
Dan Devine: Knicks in 6Tom Haberstroh: Knicks in 7Kelly Iko: Knicks in 6Morten StigJensen: Knicks in 7Steve Jones: Knicks in 6Kevin O'Connor: Knicks in 7BenRohrbach: Knicks in 6Dan Titus: Knicks in 6
The Hawks are tough, talented, versatile and athletic, with enough experience that it’s unlikely they’ll wilt in the postseason hothouse, despite it being this core’s first trip as a unit. But these Knicks have won at least one road game in the opening round in each of the last three postseasons — and, in fact, eliminated the Cavaliers, 76ers and Pistons all away from MSG. I expect the trend to continue, with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns having big series en route to New York’s fifth series win in the last four postseasons. — Devine
Read the full Hawks-Knicks preview
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(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Raptors
Dan Devine: Cavs in 7Tom Haberstroh: Cavs in 6Kelly Iko: Cavs in 5Morten StigJensen: Cavs in 6Steve Jones: Cavs in 6Kevin O'Connor: Cavs in 4BenRohrbach: Cavs in 6Dan Titus: Cavs in 5
I expect close games. In the clutch, Toronto’s offense has managed just 106.9 points per 100 possessions — a bottom-10 figure. Meanwhile, since Harden first took the floor for Cleveland, the Cavaliers are netting 131 points per 100 clutch possessions. Dare we say trust in Mitchell and Harden (or at least more than Barnes and Ingram)? — Rohrbach
Immannuel Quickley is all beat up. He missed time with plantar fasciitis. He didn’t look quite like himself after his return in April. Now he has a right hamstring strain. But the Raptors need him to keep up with the Cavaliers. In 70 games this year, he averaged 16.4 points per game and shot 37.4% from 3 while displaying dynamic scoring talent with and without the ball in his hands. If Quickley isn’t able to produce, this will be a quick series. — O’Connor
Read the full Raptors-Cavaliers preview
WESTERN CONFERENCE(2) Spurs vs. (7) Trail Blazers
Dan Devine: Spurs in 5Tom Haberstroh: Spurs in 6Kelly Iko: Spurs in 5Morten StigJensen: Spurs in 5Steve Jones: Spurs in 5Kevin O'Connor: Spurs in 4BenRohrbach: Spurs in 5Dan Titus: Spurs in 5
Between Deni Avdija’s physical driving, Donovan Clingan’s bulk on the interior, the positional size the Blazers can bring to bear across the perimeter, the quality defenders they can throw at De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, and the quality of their depth, I don’t think this is going to be a comfortable matchup for San Antonio. I do think it’s one they’ll be able to withstand, though, finishing off a tough but quick series and moving on to bigger and better things. — Devine
(3) Nuggets vs. (6) Timberwolves
Dan Devine: Nuggets in 6Tom Haberstroh: Nuggets in 5Kelly Iko: Nuggets in 6Morten StigJensen: Nuggets in 6Steve Jones: Nuggets in 7Kevin O'Connor: Nuggets in 7BenRohrbach: Nuggets in 7Dan Titus: Wolves in 7
I can buy that this Wolves team — with Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels back, with all its principals rested, with its surfeit of experience with and confidence in this specific matchup — can reach another level under the bright lights of the postseason. I just have an easier time buying that the same’s true of a version of the Nuggets that has Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray playing as well as they ever have (which is saying something) and has Gordon healthy and back in the mix. — Devine
Read the full Timberwolves-Nuggets preview
(4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets
Dan Devine: Rockets in 6Tom Haberstroh: Rockets in 5Kelly Iko: Rockets in 5Morten StigJensen: Lakers in 7Steve Jones: Rockets in 6Kevin O'Connor: Lakers in 7BenRohrbach: Rockets in 6Dan Titus: Rockets in 6
On April 2, we were told the injuries to both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves were pretty significant. Like, maybe a month-long or more. To think either will be available for this series, let alone at full strength, is a long-shot bet. Just ask the bookmakers. — Rohrbach
Read the full Rockets-Lakers preview
Source: “AOL Sports”
