2026 NBA playoff picks: Experts predict the play-in tournament and first-round matchups - ESPN
The 2026 NBA postseason continues as the Orlando Magic have officially claimed the No. 8 seed in the East and are set to face the No. 1 Detroit Pistons in the first round. The No. 8 seed in the West and the last spot in the playoffs were claimed by the Phoenix Suns. They will face the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder, who are the favorites to defend their title from last season.
Check out which teams our NBA experts picked for for every first-round series.
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Eastern Conference
Western Conference
Detroit Pistons (1) vs. Orlando Magic (8)
Jamal Collier: Pistons in 5
Zach Kram: Pistons in 6
Anthony Slater: Pistons in 5
Ramona Shelburne: Pistons in 5
Ohm Youngmisuk: Pistons in 5
Bobby Marks: Pistons in 5
Final tally: Pistons 6, Magic 0
Boston Celtics (2) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (7)
Jamal Collier: Celtics in 5
Vincent Goodwill: Celtics in 5
Zach Kram: Celtics in 5
Tim MacMahon: Celtics in 5
Bobby Marks: Celtics in 6
Dave McMenamin: Celtics in 6
Anthony Slater: Celtics in 6
Marc J. Spears: Celtics in 5
Ohm Youngmisuk: Celtics in 5
Ramona Shelburne: Celtics in 6
Final tally: Celtics 10, 76ers 0
New York Knicks (3) vs. Atlanta Hawks (6)
Jerry Bembry: Knicks in 6
Jamal Collier: Knicks in 5
Vincent Goodwill: Knicks in 6
Baxter Holmes: Knicks in 6
Zach Kram: Knicks in 7
Tim MacMahon: Knicks in 6
Dave McMenamin: Knicks in 6
Eric Moody: Knicks in 6
Anthony Slater: Knicks in 6
Ramona Shelburne: Knicks in 5
Marc J. Spears: Knicks in 6
Michael C. Wright: Knicks in 7
Ohm Youngmisuk: Knicks in 6
Bobby Marks: Knicks in 6
Final tally: Knicks 14, Hawks 0
Cleveland Cavaliers (4) vs. Toronto Raptors (5)
Jerry Bembry: Cavaliers in 6
Jamal Colliers: Cavaliers in 5
Vincent Goodwill: Cavaliers in 7
Baxter Holmes: Cavaliers in 6
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