2026 NBA Playoff Bracket Updated Today: Full Schedule, First-Round Results, and Second-Round Matchups Explained
The 2026 NBA Playoffs first round is nearing its conclusion, with three Game 7s still to be decided this weekend before the Conference Semifinals begin. Here is your complete, fully updated guide to the bracket, every series result, and what to expect as the postseason shifts into its next phase starting May 4.
Eastern Conference First Round: Final Results and Game 7s
The Eastern Conference first round has delivered extraordinary drama, with three of the four series going to seven games. The New York Knicks are the only East team to have already advanced, dispatching the Atlanta Hawks in six games after setting an NBA playoff record with a 47-point halftime lead in the series finale.
The remaining three Eastern series are all headed to Game 7 on Sunday. The Boston Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC in a clash defined by Boston’s stunning collapse after leading 3-1. The Detroit Pistons host the Orlando Magic at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC after Cade Cunningham’s miracle fourth quarter erased a 24-point deficit in Game 6. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Toronto Raptors at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC after RJ Barrett’s overtime three-pointer kept Toronto alive in Game 6.
Western Conference First Round: Three Teams Already Through
The Western Conference first round has been more decisive. Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Phoenix Suns 4-0 to remain the dominant force in the West. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 4-2 with LeBron James closing it out in Game 6. The San Antonio Spurs won their series against the Portland Trail Blazers 4-1. And the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Denver Nuggets 4-2 despite losing Anthony Edwards to injury.
Second Round Matchups Set So Far
Two Western Conference second-round matchups are confirmed. The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most anticipated second-round pairings of the entire postseason. The San Antonio Spurs will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a series that carries significant intrigue given Victor Wembanyama’s concussion protocol status.
The Eastern Conference second-round bracket will be determined after Sunday’s three Game 7s. The Knicks already wait for their opponent, which will be either the Celtics or the 76ers. The winners of Pistons-Magic and Cavaliers-Raptors will meet each other in the other East semifinal matchup.
Key Dates Going Forward
The Conference Semifinals are scheduled to begin on May 4, with specific game times to be officially announced. The NBA Draft Lottery is set for May 10. The Eastern Conference Finals are scheduled to begin on May 19, with the Western Conference Finals starting May 20. The 2026 NBA Finals are set to tip off on June 3 on ABC, with a potential Game 7 on June 19 if necessary.
The 2026 playoffs have already delivered record-breaking performances, historic comebacks, and individual heroics that will be discussed for years. The best basketball of the season is still ahead as the field narrows toward the championship.
Game 7s This Sunday: Pistons vs Magic (3:30 ET, ABC) | Celtics vs 76ers (7:30 ET, NBC) | Cavaliers vs Raptors (7:30 ET, NBC)