The 2026 NBA playoffs second round is underway, featuring eight strong teams after a dramatic first round full of comebacks, surprises, and injuries. The Eastern Conference matchups are Knicks vs. 76ers and Pistons vs. Cavaliers, while the West has Spurs vs. Timberwolves and Thunder vs. Lakers. Action started Monday night, and our experts have weighed in on who advances to the conference finals.
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
This highly anticipated series has experts divided almost evenly.
- Brad Botkin, John Gonzalez, Jasmyn Wimbish: 76ers in 7 or 6. They highlight Philadelphia’s talent when healthy, with Joel Embiid’s dominance, Tyrese Maxey’s speed, and strong supporting pieces like Paul George and VJ Edgecombe creating matchup problems for New York.
- James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Cameron Salerno: Knicks in 6 or 7. They point to New York’s depth, momentum from closing out their first-round series efficiently, Karl-Anthony Towns’ unique fit, and concerns about Embiid’s durability.
The consensus is that this could be a long, entertaining battle between two intense rivals.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Spurs are heavy favorites across the board.
- Most experts (Botkin, Gonzalez, Herbert, Maloney, Quinn, Wimbish): Spurs in 5 or 6. They cite San Antonio’s superior defense, Victor Wembanyama’s impact, and Minnesota’s injury issues, including a limited Anthony Edwards, missing Donte DiVincenzo, and other concerns.
- Cameron Salerno stands alone with Timberwolves in 7, banking on Edwards returning strong and the Wolves’ recent upset momentum.
Injuries make this feel like a mismatch for many.
Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Another tight one with most leaning Pistons in 7.
- Experts largely favor Detroit (Botkin, Gonzalez, Maloney, Salerno, Wimbish) in 7 games, crediting Cade Cunningham’s play, the Pistons’ physical style, and resilience after their first-round comeback.
- A couple pick Cleveland in 6 or 7 for their offensive edge and better firepower.
It promises to be a gritty, low-scoring series.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers
No debate here — unanimous pick for the Thunder.
- All experts see OKC winning in 4 or 5. Even with some injury questions of their own, the Thunder’s depth, defense, and overall strength far outweigh a Lakers team missing key contributors like Luka Dončić for much of the series. LeBron James and supporting cast have overachieved already, but Oklahoma City is built differently.
These predictions set up exciting weeks ahead in the NBA postseason.