The 2026 NBA playoffs are here. After a really fun season, the seeds have come out. These are my full predictions for the 1st round.
Thunder vs Clippers
The Clippers will secure the 8th seed in the play-in to match up with the Thunder. The Thunder have dominated this matchup this season, sweeping them 3-0 in the regular season series. The reigning champions of last year will come into this year hungry to run it back. The Thunder will dominate this series and win in 5 games.
Spurs vs Suns
The Suns will beat the Blazers in the play-in to match up with San Antonio. These two teams tied the season series with both being 2-2 against each other. I don’t trust the Suns’Suns forwards and centers to come through and win clutch games. Wembanyama will dominate this series and lead the Spurs to win in 5 games.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves
The Joker vs. Ant-Manvs Ant-man, what a matchup. The last time we saw these two teams in a playoff series was in 2024. That second-round matchup went down to 7 games, and the Wolves took it. The Nuggets took the regular-seasonregular season series 3-1. This one goes down to game seven again. The Wolves take it in 7 games.
Lakers vs Rockets
This will be a great series. The concern of the injuries of Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic could play a factor. The Lakers took the season series 2-1. The old heads of Lebron and Durant will be going back and forth. The Rockets will take care of business and win in 6 games.
Celtics vs 76ers
This will be a closer series than what other people will expect. I expect Tyrese Maxey to shine in the playoffs and squeak out a couple of wins for Philly. The regular season matchup went 2-2 for each respective team. But the Celtics take care of business and win in 6 games.
Pistons vs Hornets
This series has the potential of having multiple fights after the Isaiah Stewart situation that took place earlier this season. The Pistons took the regular season series 3-0. The Pistons continue their success and win in 5 games.
Knicks vs Hawks
If only Trae Young werewas still on the Hawks, this would be even more of a cinema series. The regular season series went to the Knicks, winning 2-1. The Knicks win in 7 games.
Cavs vs Raptors
This series is very interesting. The Raptors swept the season series 3-0, but the Cavs are the better team. The Cavs are still going to win in 6 games.
