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.

Jump to:
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

Zac