WHICH RUN DID YOU LIKE IN ROUND 1 OF NBA 2026

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Eastern Conference Recap

The East was a battle of attrition, featuring three series that pushed the limits of a seven-game format.

1) Detroit Pistons vs. (8) Orlando Magic (4–3): After trailing 3-1 in a shocking start to the series, the top-seeded Pistons roared back. They secured their first series win in 18 years with a decisive 116–94 Game 7 victory behind a 32-point masterclass from Cade Cunningham and 30 points from Tobias Harris.

2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers (3–4): The biggest shock of the playoffs. The 76ers stunned the championship-favorite Celtics in a grueling seven-game series, clinching the upset on Boston’s home floor to send the #2 seed home early.

3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks (4–2): The Knicks flexed their depth, closing out the series in a historic 140–89 blowout in Game 6. Their defense stifled Atlanta’s perimeter shooting, setting up a highly anticipated "Atlantic Division" showdown in the next round.

4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Toronto Raptors (TBD): The most balanced matchup in the East. After a back-and-forth battle where neither team could pull away, this series went to a Game 7 (played late Sunday night/early Monday), with the winner advancing to face Detroit.

Western Conference Recap

The West followed a more predictable script for the top seeds, though the middle of the bracket saw a significant power shift.

1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Phoenix Suns (4–0): Total dominance. The Thunder proved why they finished with the best record in the league, dismantling the veteran Suns in a clean sweep with an average margin of victory of +14 points.

2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Portland Trail Blazers (4–1): Victor Wembanyama’s playoff debut did not disappoint. The Spurs controlled the paint and the glass, ending Portland's season in five games and showing they are ready for a deep run.

3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves (2–4): In a rematch of previous years, the Timberwolves' size and youth finally overwhelmed the veteran Nuggets. Minnesota won three straight games to close out the 2023 champs in six.

4) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Rockets (4–2): LeBron James and Anthony Davis used their postseason experience to weather a fast-paced Houston attack. The Lakers locked down defensively in Game 6, holding the Rockets to just 78 points to advance.