2026 NBA Playoff Predictions: Full Bracket Picks, Upsets, Conference Winners & Finals Champion
NBC Sports • • general
Key Points:
- The Oklahoma City Thunder are the favorites to win the 2026 NBA Playoffs, entering as reigning champions with the best regular-season record despite injuries.
- In the first round, Detroit, Boston, New York, and Cleveland are predicted to advance in the East, while Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Denver, and Houston are expected to move on in the West.
- The conference semifinals are projected to feature Cleveland over Detroit and Boston over New York in the East, with Oklahoma City beating Houston and Denver edging out San Antonio in the West.
- Boston is favored to defeat Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals, while Oklahoma City is predicted to narrowly overcome Denver in the Western Conference Finals.
- The NBA Finals forecast calls for Oklahoma City to decisively beat Boston 4-1, leveraging their depth, versatility, and defensive strength to secure a second consecutive championship.
