Oklahoma City leads the eight remaining teams after sweeping past the Lakers in the conference semifinals.
The Oklahoma City Thunder completed a flawless first round by defeating Phoenix 4-0 before taking an early 1-0 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals. With a projected 48.8% chance to win the 2026 NBA title, the Thunder boast championship experience, deep rotation options, and elite defense. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein provide frontcourt flexibility while a deep guard corps creates havoc in half-court sets and transition play. Coach Mark Daigneault’s willingness to adjust lineups mid-series adds another layer of tactical advantage.
San Antonio entered the conference semifinals with a 4-1 series win over Portland and immediately answered questions about their playoff readiness. Victor Wembanyama returned from a concussion and recorded four blocks per game despite missing portions of two contests, proving his resilience. Stephon Castle’s 43.8% three-point shooting from deep offers another scoring threat, though the Spurs face scrutiny over their reliance on that shot. Minnesota stunned them in Game 1 by holding San Antonio to 28% from three, but Oklahoma City allowed just 34% in the first round against Phoenix, signaling potential issues ahead.
New York closed out Atlanta 4-2 behind three straight dominant wins to cap off the series, with OG Anunoby heating up at both ends. Anunoby converted 23 of 30 shots over the last three games while Karl-Anthony Towns demonstrated new offensive freedom. The Knicks secured a 1-0 series lead over Philadelphia behind this late surge, though questions remain about their ability to contain Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Philadelphia’s dynamic backcourt combination could expose New York’s defensive limits, especially in a potential East finals clash.
Detroit needed seven games to overcome Orlando, with Cade Cunningham leading the way as he elevated his production to All-NBA levels. Ausar Thompson continued to refine his defensive reputation during the playoffs, taking the mantle as a potential generational stopper. Tobias Harris posted 21.6 points per game in the first round, a significant jump from his regular season output, while Jalen Duren’s offensive struggles raised concerns. The Pistons allowed under 30% from three in the early games, including Duncan Robinson’s limited impact, hinting at deeper issues beneath the surface.
Minnesota completed a 4-2 upset victory over Denver by rallying from a late deficit in Game 6, showcasing their resilience under pressure. Rudy Gobert delivered what may have been the finest series of his Hall of Fame career, effectively neutralizing Nikola Jokic. Anthony Edwards returned faster than expected from a hyperextended knee to contribute key minutes in Game 1 against San Antonio. Despite missing Ayo Dosunmu and Donte DiVincenzo to injury, Minnesota’s depth and playoff experience—backed by two straight conference finals appearances—give them an edge in the second round.
Philadelphia advanced past Boston 4-3 despite trailing by 18 points in the third quarter of Game 7, showing both their ceiling and volatility. The tandem of Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid in the pick-and-roll remains one of the league’s most dangerous combinations, complemented by Paul George’s resurgent All-Star form. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes have combined for 48 minutes per game on the wings, providing versatility and scoring. However, Embiid’s recent emergency appendectomy raises serious health concerns, joining a long list of postseason injuries that have derailed Philadelphia’s title hopes in past years.
Cleveland defeated Toronto 4-3 in a hard-fought series that exposed offensive limitations late in tight contests. James Harden and Donovan Mitchell combined for high-scoring outbursts but also showed inconsistency as the series progressed. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen formed a versatile frontcourt pair capable of switching defensively and contributing offensively. Despite a strong supporting cast including Sam Merrill, Max Strus, and Dean Wade, Cleveland’s inability to close out games—evident in Game 1 against Detroit—kept their title hopes uncertain.
Los Angeles defeated Houston 4-2 in the first round, showcasing late-game efficiency and clutch three-point shooting from Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Rui Hachimura, all shooting at least 40% from deep. LeBron James continued defying age-related expectations, though the Lakers’ season ended abruptly against Oklahoma City with Jalen Williams expected to return soon. Luka Doncic remained sidelined with a hamstring issue, removing a key playmaker from their rotation. The Thunder’s dominance over the Lakers in recent matchups made any hope of an upset highly unlikely, with San Antonio looming as the next obstacle.