With the 2026 NBA postseason set to open Tuesday, a group of ESPN NBA insiders has released its game-by-game forecasts for the play-in tournament and every first-round series.
Play-in tournament predictions
Philadelphia 76ers (No. 7) vs. Orlando Magic (No. 8)
Seven of the 13 experts sided with Philadelphia, while six picked Orlando.
Charlotte Hornets (No. 9) vs. Miami Heat (No. 10)
Charlotte drew 10 votes to Miami’s three.
Phoenix Suns (No. 7) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (No. 8)
The panel favored Phoenix 10–3.
Los Angeles Clippers (No. 9) vs. Golden State Warriors (No. 10)
Eleven analysts chose the Clippers; two selected the Warriors.
Eastern Conference first round
New York Knicks (No. 3) vs. Atlanta Hawks (No. 6)
All 12 voters predicted a Knicks victory, with most expecting the series to finish in six games.
Cleveland Cavaliers (No. 4) vs. Toronto Raptors (No. 5)
Cleveland was a unanimous 12–0 pick. The majority forecast a six-game set, while a pair anticipated it ending in five and two projected seven.
Western Conference first round
Denver Nuggets (No. 3) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 6)
Denver swept the vote 12–0. Six panelists called for seven games, four chose six and two expected five.
Los Angeles Lakers (No. 4) vs. Houston Rockets (No. 5)
Houston received 11 of 12 selections. Predictions ranged from five to seven games; the only dissenting pick went to Los Angeles in six.
The play-in opens Tuesday night when the Charlotte Hornets host the Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns welcome the Portland Trail Blazers. Winners will continue pursuit of the final two playoff spots in each conference.
Source: ESPN.com
