2026 NBA playoff picks: Experts predict the second round

Key Points:

• The 2026 NBA playoffs second round features eight teams competing for a spot in the conference finals, with notable matchups including the Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers in the East.
• In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder, defending champions, swept the Phoenix Suns and are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers, while the San Antonio Spurs, led by Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama, will play the Minnesota Timberwolves.
• NBA experts largely predict the Pistons to defeat the Cavaliers and the Knicks to overcome the 76ers in the Eastern Conference, with final tallies favoring the Pistons (6-3) and Knicks (7-3).
• In the Western Conference, experts unanimously favor the Thunder over the Lakers (11-0) and strongly back the Spurs against the Timberwolves, with all picks leaning towards the Spurs.
• The second round promises intense competition as teams vie to advance to the conference finals and ultimately the NBA championship.