Experts Split on Pistons-Cavaliers as ESPN Releases Second-Round NBA Playoff Predictions
2026-nba-second-round-expert-picks
The 2026 NBA postseason has narrowed to eight contenders, and ESPN’s panel of analysts has published its forecasts for every conference semifinal series.
Eastern Conference
Detroit Pistons (1) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (4)
Six of eight insiders sided with Detroit after the Pistons erased a 3–1 deficit against the Orlando Magic. Two experts leaned toward Cleveland, which advanced with a Game 7 win over the Toronto Raptors.
New York Knicks (3) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (7)
The Knicks received seven of nine votes following their first-round victory. The 76ers drew two selections to pull an upset in the only series featuring a No. 7 seed.
Western Conference
Oklahoma City Thunder (1) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (4)
All 10 contributors predicted Oklahoma City would move on. The defending champions swept the Phoenix Suns and open the semifinals against Los Angeles on Tuesday.
San Antonio Spurs (2) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (6)
Unanimous support also went to San Antonio. Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs dispatched the Portland Trail Blazers in five games, while Minnesota has been without injured star Anthony Edwards since Game 4 of the previous round.
Overall, the experts favored the top-seeded Thunder and second-seeded Spurs in the West, while the East projections were more divided, particularly in the matchup between Detroit and Cleveland.
Source: ESPN
