NBA experts reveal picks for Thunder-Lakers and all second-round matchups

Eight teams remain as second-round NBA playoffs begin with expert predictions on who advances to the conference finals.

Eastern Conference Semifinals Underway The 2026 NBA postseason second round is in progress with just eight teams competing for a spot in the championship. The top-seeded Detroit Pistons recovered from a 3-1 series deficit against the Orlando Magic, winning three consecutive games to secure their spot. Their next opponent, the Cleveland Cavaliers, also advanced by beating the Toronto Raptors in a decisive Game 7. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers moved on to face the New York Knicks in the next round. ## Western Conference Semifinals Set The defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, swept the Phoenix Suns in four straight games to open their conference semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. The San Antonio Spurs, led by Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama, became the second team to advance by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in five games. Their next challenge will come against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are missing star Anthony Edwards since Game 4. ## Experts Predict Second-Round Winners Following an intense first round, our NBA experts have shared their predictions for each second-round series. In the East, the New York Knicks (seeded third) are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers (seeded seventh). In the West, the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder will go head-to-head with the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers, while the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs will take on the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves.