As the NBA regular season comes to a close, the focus shifts to what looks to be one of the most unpredictable postseasons in recent memory. Several elite teams have separated themselves at the top, and a crowded middle tier of teams poses a threat to them in several first-round series. The 2026 NBA Playoffs are shaping up to deliver plenty of high-level basketball and tons of surprises.
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the postseason with the League’s best record. With a likely back-to-back MVP in Shai Gilgeous Alexander, multiple other “All-NBA” caliber players, and the best defensive rating in the league, they have established themselves as the team to beat. Not far behind, the San Antonio Spurs are a legitimate contender. The Spurs won the season series 3-1 against the Thunder, and have stayed red hot, winning 27 of their last 30 games. Fueled by Victor Wembanyama, whose unique skill set has created matchup problems across the League, and a smothering defense, no team will want to play the Spurs this postseason.
Grayden Kratchman (‘29) says, “I think the Thunder will beat the Celtics and go back-to-back.”
Just behind them in the West are the Denver Nuggets, a team that continues to thrive behind the play of Nikola Jokić. Jokic is putting up stats that have never been seen before, averaging 28 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists while shooting 58% from the field and 38% from three. Their championship experience from 2022 makes them a dangerous opponent. In a conference where several teams are capable of winning a series, Nikola Jokic may prove to be decisive.
“I think the Spurs will win because they have Wemby and they have proven they can beat the Thunder,” said Sam Freedman (‘29).
In the Eastern Conference, the race is wide open. The Boston Celtics look poised for another deep run, led by an elite coach in Joe Mazzulla and two “All NBA” players, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. With a similar team and a new head coach, the Knicks hope to avenge their conference finals loss last year and end a 26-year absence from the NBA finals. The Detroit Pistons are the number one seed in the East, a huge leap from last season, led by their young core and defensive identity. Captained by Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, the Pistons will be the favorites in most games they play this postseason.
Although the Hornets are the 9 seed and have to win 2 play-in games to join the playoffs no top seed wants to see them despite the fact that they are the hottest team in the NBA right now. The Hornets are 17-9 since the All-Star break and are full of young guys who give their all every night. Rookie Kon Knueppel is one of the best shooters in the league. Paired with a star guard in LaMelo Ball, the Hornets are easily capable of upsetting the Pistons.
Max Cossrow (29’) said, “I have the Celtics coming out of the East because of their experience and coaching, but I could also see the Hornets making a little run.”
With dominant teams, rising young teams, and dangerous low seeds all in the mix, this year’s playoffs are setting up to be a classic. Whether it’s the star power of Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out West, or the balance of teams in the East, every series is ready to deliver.