sports
NBA playoff predictions 2026: the winner, key players and dark horses
Will an Oklahoma City repeat end an NBA-record run of seven different champions in seven years? Our writers make their picks ahead of Saturday’s postseason tip-off
TL;DR
- Nikola Jokić is favored by some for a Game 7, while others lean towards Victor Wembanyama's chaotic upside.
- The Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat are cited as teams missed in the playoffs due to injuries or their unique postseason style.
- The Lakers and Spurs are identified as high seeds at risk of early elimination.
- The Lakers, Spurs, Pistons, and Hawks are considered long shots to win the championship.
- Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Anthony Edwards are highlighted as the most important players.
- Predictions for the Eastern Conference Finals include Knicks over Pistons and Pistons over Celtics.
- Predictions for the Western Conference Finals include Thunder over Nuggets and Spurs over Thunder.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics are predicted as potential NBA champions.