NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: April 19, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

NBA Playoff Openers & Upsets

The first round of the NBA playoffs kicked off with several immediate statement wins and one major upset, setting an early tone for the postseason. In the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic stunned the top-seeded Pistons in Game 1, extending Detroit’s home playoff losing streak and immediately challenging regular-season expectations. This surprise result followed the Magic’s dominant win over the Hornets, which secured their 8-seed spot and a tough first-round draw against the Pistons, fueled by a desire for the franchise to help stars like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner reach a championship, perhaps with the help of acquisitions like Desmond Bane as discussed previously. Conversely, the Boston Celtics asserted control over their rivals, dominating Philadelphia to begin their quest to hand the Sixers a seventh straight series loss between the two franchises.

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks sealed a hard-fought win over the Hawks, driven by Jalen Brunson, who scored 22 of his game-high 28 points before halftime in their 113-102 victory. In the West, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder opened their title defense with a dominant 119-84 performance against the Phoenix Suns, who had just knocked out the Warriors 111-96 to secure the eighth seed. The matchup between the Nuggets and Timberwolves also delivered drama, as Jamal Murray’s perfect 16-for-16 performance at the free throw line carried Denver past Minnesota, despite relatively quiet offensive nights from MVP finalist Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon.

Western Conference Style & MVP Race

The San Antonio Spurs arrived in matching all-black suits for their first home playoff game since April 2019, showcasing a distinct style as they prepared to host the Trail Blazers in Game 1. Before the contest, the team received an emotional address from Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich, who continues to rehab from a stroke, which reportedly motivated and inspired the entire squad. While the Spurs were preparing for their opener, the MVP race saw its finalists confirmed, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama named finalists for the season’s top individual honor.

Off-Court Buzz & League News

Courtside at the high-stakes playoff matchups, a variety of celebrities were out in style watching the intense competition unfold across the league. Away from the current postseason action, Charles Barkley provided an update on his personal relationships, stating that his long-standing rift with Michael Jordan is easing and that the two plan to play golf together this offseason after nearly 15 years of estrangement. In other league news, the passing of Brazilian basketball legend Oscar Schmidt, known as the "Holy Hand," was confirmed at age 68. Furthermore, Charlotte's LaMelo Ball addressed speculation regarding an on-court incident, stating there was no rift with Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo and expressing relief that Adebayo was not more seriously injured after their collision.

Team Commitments & Historical Context

In a commitment to their roster structure, LA Clippers president Lawrence Frank reaffirmed the organization's long-term goal to "win with Kawhi Leonard" during his year-end press conference. Looking back at historical rivalries, the intense postseason history between LeBron James and Kevin Durant, who have faced off three times in the playoffs, was revisited as a series of momentous clashes. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors suffered a Game 1 loss to the Cavaliers, exacerbated by the absence of guard Immanuel Quickley, who missed the contest as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury that sidelined him. Experts also weighed in on future outcomes, releasing their betting advice for the 2026 playoffs, detailing predictions for the champion, Finals MVP, and best bets for every first-round series based on current odds.