2026 NBA Playoffs Set to Tip Off as Play-In Tournament Wraps Up

53 articles · Updated · The Ringer · Apr 16

The 2026 NBA playoffs begin this Saturday, with the bracket nearly complete following the conclusion of the Play-In Tournament.
The Warriors and 76ers secured key wins, while the final No. 8 seeds in each conference will be decided on Friday night.
Top contenders include the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, and Boston Celtics, with the NBA Finals set to start on June 3.

Could the top-seeded Detroit Pistons be the East's most overlooked title contender?

Is the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves rematch the true championship series of round one?

Will injuries to stars like Embiid and Doncic pave the way for a surprise champion?

Why are the champion Thunder betting favorites despite predictions of a Spurs upset?

Will this be the final playoff showdown between legends LeBron James and Kevin Durant?

Can Victor Wembanyama's dominance overcome his complete lack of playoff experience?