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5 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: April 18, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

NBA Playoff Openers & Team News

The Eastern Conference playoffs commence with the Cavaliers hosting the Raptors in Game 1, though Toronto faces an immediate setback as guard Immanuel Quickley is ruled out due to a lingering hamstring injury, per coach Darko Rajaković’s confirmation. Across the league, the San Antonio Spurs are reportedly motivated following a pre-series address from Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich, who is currently recovering from a recent stroke. Examining historical clashes, experts are also revisiting past playoff series featuring LeBron James and Kevin Durant, noting that their three prior postseason encounters were consistently momentous occasions for the league.

Futures Betting & Series Outlooks

As the first round tips off, analysts are already releasing futures betting guides for the remainder of the postseason, detailing expert picks for champion odds and Finals MVP. These forward-looking assessments arrive while teams contend with immediate roster challenges, such as the Raptors missing a key rotational piece in Quickley for the opening contest against Cleveland.