The 2026 NBA playoffs began with the Cavaliers, Nuggets, and Knicks securing Game 1 victories, while Kevin Durant missed the Rockets-Lakers opener due to injury.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 32 points, while Max Strus contributed 24 off the bench in his playoff debut for Cleveland.
Durant's absence delays another anticipated playoff clash with LeBron James, while Toronto struggled offensively without Immanuel Quickley.
With Dončić and Reaves out, can LeBron James single-handedly defy the odds against the Rockets?
With superstars sidelined across the league, will this year's champion be the team that simply stays the healthiest?
Experts name the Spurs as OKC's biggest threat. Is Victor Wembanyama already poised for a championship run?
The Hawks thrived after trading Trae Young. Can their new system upset the Knicks despite losing Game 1?
James Harden joined for a title shot. Is this new-look Cavaliers team the real deal in the East?
Max Strus erupted after a 67-game absence. Is his hot shooting the secret weapon Cleveland needed?