The 2026 NBA playoffs' first round delivers three Game 7s, all in the East, with historic comebacks and upsets shaping the opening series.
The initial round of the 2026 NBA playoffs has delivered a mix of outcomes: a sweep, unexpected results, heart-stopping finishes, and dramatic comebacks. This marks the second time since the format switched to best-of-seven in 2003 that the first round features three Game 7s, a milestone previously matched only in the 2014 playoffs, which had five. All three decisive matches are set in the Eastern Conference, where the New York Knicks prepare for the victor of the Boston Celtics versus Philadelphia 76ers showdown. The remaining spots in the East semifinals hinge on Sunday’s matchups between the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic, as well as the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.
The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers face a winner-take-all Game 7 on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Celtics enter as favorites, boasting a 74.7% chance to advance according to league analytics. Philadelphia’s formula under Coach Nick Nurse relies on Joel Embiid either breaking free from double-teams or dominating one-on-one matchups, while Tyrese Maxey exploits Boston’s defensive struggles. Paul George, now in a 76ers uniform, appears revitalized, performing like the high-priced star he is. Philadelphia has claimed victories without outshooting Boston, as seen when Embiid shot 6-for-18 and the team missed 11 of 33 three-point attempts last game. If those shots fall early, the 76ers’ fortunes could flip dramatically.
For Boston to secure the series, hitting their three-pointers remains critical. Under Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics are 17-1 in playoff games where they connect on at least 40% of their long-range attempts, compared to a 19-19 record when they fall short. Embiid’s ability to manipulate Boston’s defense complicates matters, but controlling offensive rebounds and maintaining possession will be vital. The Celtics' offensive foundation depends on sharpshooting, making perimeter accuracy the cornerstone of their approach.
Neemias Queta stands as the potential game-changer for Boston. The starting center delivered one of the league’s most improved performances this season, anchoring a team-best plus-13.2 net rating when on the floor. However, his playoff struggles against Embiid have been pronounced: through six games, Queta has committed 24 fouls while making just 18 field goals. If foul trouble sidelines him, Boston must rely on Nikola Vucevic or Luka Garza, whose defensive limitations have been exposed in this series. Queta’s mission in Game 7 is clear: stay disciplined, avoid fouls, and provide the rebounding, screens, and interior defense that defined his regular season.
The Detroit Pistons host the Orlando Magic in a Game 7 clash on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET, with Detroit favored at 79.3% to advance. Orlando’s blueprint for victory mirrors their Game 1 triumph: relentless physicality on defense and in the paint. Jalen Suggs led that effort, flying around the court like a defensive standout, while Wendell Carter Jr. outmuscled Jalen Duren inside. Franz Wagner’s absence due to a right calf strain leaves a void, forcing role players like Tristan da Silva, Anthony Black, and Jamal Cain to step forward. Cade Cunningham must deliver, especially without Wagner’s defensive pressure, while Duren needs to dominate the glass and set the tone physically.
Detroit’s three-point shooting has been a glaring weakness and could decide Game 7. The Pistons ranked 28th in regular-season makes (11.0 per game) and 17th in percentage (35.6%). Their playoff struggles are even more pronounced: last in makes (8.7 per game) and percentage (29.7%). Duncan Robinson has shot at his usual level, and Cade Cunningham’s long-range shooting has been average, but the rest of the roster has faltered from deep. No team has struggled this severely from three over a meaningful sample size—could Detroit finally find its range at home to avoid a first-round exit?
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors meet in a Game 7 on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET, with Cleveland holding a 60.3% chance to advance. Toronto has thrived by outworking Cleveland, generating turnovers, diving for loose balls, and winning through defensive intensity to offset Cleveland’s talent advantage. The Raptors enter Game 7 on the road, where the home team typically shoulders the pressure. To secure the win, Cleveland must limit Toronto’s transition opportunities by minimizing turnovers and preventing fast-break points.
James Harden’s playoff legacy looms large in this series-deciding matchup. His numbers in Game 7s are stark: in seven previous appearances, he has averaged 19.3 points on 35% shooting, including a dismal 22% from three-point range. Harden’s lone strong Game 7 came in 2011 with Oklahoma City, but every subsequent outing has seen him shoot 41% or worse. Cleveland’s fate may hinge on a resurgent performance from its point guard. Notably, Harden has scored over 20 points in every Cavaliers win against Toronto this series but failed to reach double digits in all losses.