NBA playoffs 2026 preview: Why OKC is primed for a repeat, and the Knicks may fall short

Key Points:

• The NBA postseason has seen increased unpredictability in recent years, with lower-seeded teams frequently advancing deep into the playoffs, including the eighth-seeded Miami Heat winning the Eastern Conference in 2023.
• This season, six teams meet the historical criteria for championship contenders (seeded third or better with at least 52 wins and a +3.0 margin): Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks, with the Cleveland Cavaliers as a possible dark horse.
• Key first-round matchups include Detroit Pistons favored over Charlotte/Orlando, Boston Celtics over Philadelphia, New York Knicks over Atlanta Hawks, and Cleveland Cavaliers over Toronto Raptors in the East; while in the West, Oklahoma City Thunder are favored against Golden State or Phoenix, San Antonio Spurs over Portland, Denver Nuggets over Minnesota, and Houston Rockets over Los Angeles Lakers given recent injuries.
• The second round is expected to feature intense competition, notably between the Thunder and Spurs in the West, with the Spurs having a strong regular-season record against Oklahoma City but the Thunder seen as more experienced and deeper.
• The NBA Finals prediction is Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Boston Celtics, with the Thunder favored due to their defensive pressure and rebounding advantage, while Boston's shooting and ball control make them a formidable opponent.