You all know what it is. The 2026 NBA playoffs are here! Who’s going to take it all? Who’s going to crap the bed? What team or player is going to surprise us in a good way? We shall see. Let’s take a quick look at each conference.
The West
The West is deep, yes. However, I have too many concerns about all but three teams. The play-in teams don’t have a chance. The Lakers are cooked, as you can read here. And Houston has a point guard problem, as well as their lack of 3 point shooting and secondary playmaker. I don’t trust Minnesota either, as you can check out here. That’s leaves OKC, San Antonio and Denver.
Lets start with Denver. They have a chance to come out the West for sure. It starts with arguably the best player in the world on their side in Nikola Jokic. And then there’s Jamal Murray and the way he’s been playing this year. He’s turned it up a notch with his consistency and ability to explode for 30 pt games. That 1-2 combo is a big key to Denver’s potential success, as we know. But the health of Aaron Gordon is paramount. He’s one of their best overall defenders and a reliable offensive weapon as well. They need Aaron Gordon to play at a high level to win the West. But they also need Braun, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to be consistent release valves and hit timely 3s when teams load up on Jokic and Murray. This team can definitly make it back to the Finals and win it all.
Now, lets get to San Antonio. Yes, we know about Wemby. He has to be the best player on the floor, but not all the time. He has plenty of help around him with the other young guns of Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassel and Keldon Johnson. When the physicality rachets up, the way Wemby and company deal with it will be the key. With the vets D’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes helping to lead them though, they can get through adversity. This team definitely has what it takes to beat multiple good teams in playoff series. But can they do it in their first time together in the playoffs? That is the question.
And then we have the defending champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Man they have it all. They have the MVP in Shai, 2nd and 3rd options in Jalen Williams and Chet and a boatload of a supporting cast. And don’t forget the defense they can play. This team has it all and are the favorites to come out the West. Not too much else needs to be explained about these boys.
My money is on OKC to win the West.
The East
Now let’s talk about the East. I have four teams that can get out of the East. That’s the top four in Detroit, Boston, New York and Cleveland.
Let’s start with Cleveland. It’s up to their big four of Donavan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. As with any team, it will come down to if these guys can make the timely plays, hit the timely shots and make timely stops on defense. They have everything they need to make a run out of the East. How healthy is Max Strus? He can turn a game quickly with his shooting and fiery competiveness. The Cavs will need him and the big 4 to be connected and at their best to win series after series.
Then, there is New York. I don’t know why I don’t trust this team. Is it because of KAT? Is it because of the supporting cast around Brunson and KAT? Is it Mike Brown and his questionable ability to outcoach other good coaches in a series? I have many questions, as do other Knick fans. However, they are streaky and can get hot and come together for a long playoff run. It’s possible behind that rowdy New York fan base, especially in the Garden. Maybe a run happens here but I have my doubts.
The Boston Celtics. My only question here is if Tatum will continue to let Jaylen Brown lead the way this year. I hope he, the coach and the whole team does. This is his time! He’s been doing it effectively for multiple seasons now. He was the best player on the team in the Finals lost against Golden State in 2022. He won the Finals MVP in 2024. Now he’s shown that he’s also an MVP candidate when the team makes him the 1st option. I hope Boston continues to let JB cook! They can win the East if they do.
Now, let’s talk about the Detroit Pistons. These boys are gritty and play some very tough, physical defense. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Pistons and the OKC Thunder in a Finals series. My only question is, can Detroit shoot the ball well enough to get there? I have my concerns. They also don’t have much playoff experience, losing in the 1st round last season. But Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duran are legit top 10 and top 20 players in the league. If both of them are put in positions to continually succeed, and the role players can make 3s, they too can make it out the East.
That’s a rundown of the East. My money is on the Cleveland Cavaliers to magically make a run to the NBA Finals!
And it’s a wrap. That’s one man’s perspective on the upcoming NBA playoff picture. Let the games begin and let the good times roll!