2026 NBA playoff predictions for each series: How far will Pistons go?

The 2026 NBA playoffs are upon us and we have bracket predictions for every series through the NBA Finals. The postseason tips off at 1 p. m.

ET Saturday, April 18, with a 4-5 matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors, beginning a four-game slate. Sunday has four more Game 1s, including the 1-seed Detroit Pistons vs. 8-seed Orlando Magic at 6:30 p. m. on NBC and Peacock.

Here's a look at the playoff bracket with predictions for each round, including the Finals. How far do the Pistons advance? Who wins it all? Check out our picks.

Watch NBA playoffs on Peacock NBA playoff bracket predictions through NBA Finals NBA playoff predictions for first round 2026 No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder over No.

8 Phoenix Suns in 5: The defending champs have been the best team in the league all season, with the No. 1 defense and a likely back-to-back MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It should be a quick series. No. 2 San Antonio Spurs over No.

7 Portland Trail Blazers in 5: The second-best team in the league, led by Victor Wembanyama, should be able to stifle the Blazers’ offense. No. 3 Denver Nuggets over No.

6 Minnesota Timberwolves in 7: Nikola Jokic is coming off yet-another MVP caliber performance and the Nuggets finished the season strong, but Minnesota is no slouch either. No. 5 Houston Rockets over No.

4 Los Angeles Lakers in 5: With Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves both slated to miss the series due to injury, the Kevin Durant-led Rockets should be able to best a 41-year-old LeBron James and a shaky supporting cast. No. 1 Detroit Pistons over No.