2026 NBA playoff bracket predictions

I’M ALL SORTS OF RILED UP RIGHT NOW. This bracket is looking menacing to kick-off the NBA playoffs, and the play-in games start tonight! These games alone are going to be hot, so we’re here to give you our BEST predictions. Take a look at our bracket!

play-in games

East → Hornets beat the Heat, and 76ers beat the Magic. Magic choke in their second chance.

East #8: Hornets

East #7: 76ers

West → Clippers beat the Warriors, and Suns beat the Blazers. Blazers just barely lose to the Clippers.

West #8: Clippers

West #7: Suns

round 1

#1 vs #8 Matchups

I think it’s safe to say that in a series, both the Thunder and the Pistons can survive nearly any team - most definitely any 8-seed. The Pistons will lock down Charlotte, and OKC will exploit ALL of LA’s weaknesses.

#2 vs #7 Matchups

Yeah, same thing here. The only difference is both teams are a bit better. Like honestly, the two-seeds in both conferences are one-seed material. The 76ers don’t have what it takes to slow down Boston, and San Antonio is going to smother Phoenix.

#3 vs #6 Matchups

A bit more interesting, these ones have more potential to swing both ways. I think that if Minnesota stays healthy they can seriously challenge the Nuggets, but I simply can’t write off a team that has someone as productive as Jokic on it. I also think that New York will choke vs Atlanta and the Hawks will actually come out of that series winners. They are a well-functioning unit, and New York has its post-season problems.

#4 vs #5 Matchups

I LOVE both of these matchups first round. Houston has a tough physical presence and can trouble the Lakers, but LeBron has shown he can carry a team for at least a round, and Houston has shown to be dysfunctional as a unit. I honestly think that Houston lacks the experience it takes to win a series (aside from Durant - but even then).

Round 2

The Thunder beat the Lakers, Luka or no Luka.

They have shown it doesn’t matter this season; they can stifle their scoring and put up more points.

The Spurs send the Nuggets home.

Although an elite scoring team, the Nuggets will have trouble finding the bucket with San Antonio’s pressure.

The Pistons barely beat the Caveliers.

The Pistons are a world-class defensive unit, not allowing much to formulate in terms of offense. I think the Cavs are going to push it to the absolute limit, but just fall short in game 7.

The Celtics beat the Hawks.

Close games but a quick series. The Hawks can’t close.

Round 3

The Spurs upset the Thunder as they have all season.

The Celtics are prepared and ready → the Pistons lack of experience shows.

The finals → SPURS vs celtics

If this is the actual NBA Finals matchup, the entire country should say thank you to the officials. This would be the most intense and physical series, real skill pushing through. Two well-functioning units, two great systems and tough defenses.

The Celtics will win in 7 games, and Jayson Tatum or Derrick White will be Finals MVP.