It’s that time of the year.
The 2025-26 NBA playoffs are next up on the calendar following the conclusion of another 82-game season.
In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons secured the No. 1 seed for the first time since 2006-07…almost 20 years ago. Cade Cunningham led the way despite a recent collapsed lung scare, while Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson have also been key to stave off the No. 2 Boston Celtics.
The Western Conference had a tighter race at the summit, with the Oklahoma City Thunder retaining the top spot amid the chase for a repeat championship led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Victor Wembanyama and the rising San Antonio Spurs came close, so a conference championship clash is certainly on the cards.
Here’s everything to know about the upcoming first-round matchups:
When do the 2026 NBA playoffs start?
The postseason will begin with the first round on Saturday, April 18.
Which teams earned berths through the Play-In Tournament?
As it stands, four teams are in the playoff hunt through the Play-In Tournament. From the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat are in contention for seeds No. 7 and 8.
From the West, it is the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors, who should have Steph Curry fit and, ideally, firing.
What are the first-round matchups in the NBA playoffs?
Here’s a look at each team’s first-round opponent in each conference:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
No. 1 Detroit Pistons vs. No. 8 TBD
No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Toronto Raptors
No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 6 Atlanta Hawks
No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 TBD
WESTERN CONFERENCE
No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. TBD
No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 5 Houston Rockets
No. 3 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves
No. 2 San Antonio Spurs vs. TBD
When does the 2026 NBA Finals start?
The championship series will begin on Wednesday, June 3 with Game 1. If necessary, Game 7 would be on Friday, June 19.
Here are 5 things to know about NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
