NBA Playoffs Bracket 2026: Complete First Round Matchups and Predictions
The 2026 NBA playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most competitive postseasons in recent memory. With the regular season winding down, here is a look at the projected bracket and what to expect from every first-round series.
Western Conference
(1) OKC Thunder vs (8) Sacramento Kings: The Thunder are the clear favorites here. SGA and Holmgren give OKC the best two-way combination in the West, and their depth is overwhelming. The Kings have De'Aaron Fox's speed, but they don't have the defense to hang with OKC in a seven-game series. Prediction: Thunder in 5.
(2) Denver Nuggets vs (7) Phoenix Suns: This is the most intriguing first-round matchup. Jokic vs. Durant is a clash of titans. The Nuggets have home-court advantage and the better supporting cast, but the Suns have two of the best closers in basketball in Durant and Booker. Prediction: Nuggets in 6.
(3) Minnesota Timberwolves vs (6) Dallas Mavericks: A rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Finals. Edwards vs. Doncic is appointment television. The Wolves have the defensive advantage with Gobert anchoring the paint, but Luka's playoff magic is real. Prediction: Timberwolves in 7.
(4) Houston Rockets vs (5) LA Clippers: The Rockets are the youngest team in the playoffs, led by Amen Thompson and Jalen Green. The Clippers have playoff experience with Kawhi Leonard (when healthy) and Paul George. Youth vs. experience — a classic playoff storyline. Prediction: Rockets in 6.
Eastern Conference
(1) Boston Celtics vs (8) Miami Heat: The Celtics are the defending champions and the best team in the East. The Heat are the ultimate playoff team — they always seem to find another gear in the postseason. But Boston's talent advantage is too much. Prediction: Celtics in 5.
(2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (7) Orlando Magic: The Cavs have the best defense in the East and a balanced offense led by Mitchell and Mobley. The Magic are young and athletic but lack a go-to scorer in crunch time. Prediction: Cavaliers in 5.
(3) New York Knicks vs (6) Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis vs. the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. This series will be physical, intense, and loud. The Knicks have the depth and the home-court advantage, but Giannis in the playoffs is a different animal. Prediction: Knicks in 7.
(4) Indiana Pacers vs (5) Philadelphia 76ers: The Pacers play the fastest pace in the league; the Sixers want to slow it down. Embiid's health is the X-factor — if he's healthy, Philly can beat anyone. If he's not, the Pacers' speed will overwhelm them. Prediction: Pacers in 6.