” data-large-file=”\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=677,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Kevin-Durrant-and-LeBron-James.jpg”> VikingsTerritory <\/em>releases one NBA article per year, and that\u2019s a playoff and Finals predictions article<\/a>. Otherwise, we stick to football. But to continue the tradition, let\u2019s get some playoff picks on record.<\/p>\n Our panel made its picks for the 2026 NBA postseason bracket.<\/strong><\/p>\n Most NBA prediction batches this year will feel pretty similar, as the association has some clear frontrunners. Here\u2019s how Janik Eckardt, Josh Frey, and Dustin Baker see the NBA playoffs<\/a>.<\/p>\n A winner from the Western Conference feels like a no-brainer, but we say not so fast<\/em>. <\/p>\n ” data-large-file=”\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/USATSI_28109392.jpg” src=”http:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/USATSI_28109392.jpg” alt=”Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle react during a fourth-quarter play against the Rockets. nba playoff predictions 2026″> Western Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n (1)<\/strong> Oklahoma City Thunder<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/strong> over (8)<\/strong> Phoenix Suns<\/strong> in 5 games Our predicting trio was in complete harmony for the 1st-Round of the Western Conference, with the only caveat that the Lakers could, in theory, defeat the Rockets if Luka Doncic<\/a> and\/or Austin Reaves return mid-series. Los Angeles must steal a game early to keep hope alive and bank on Doncic\u2019s possible return around Game 4 or Game 5 from his hamstring injury.<\/p>\n For Nuggets-Timberwolves<\/a>, the group decided Denver\u2019s offense would prevail against Minnesota\u2019s defense.<\/p>\n Eastern Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n (1)<\/strong> Detroit Pistons<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/strong> over (8)<\/strong> Orlando Magic<\/strong> in 5 games Frey picked the Raptors over the Cavaliers; that was the only point of contention at all in Round 1. Philadelphia might have hopes of keeping the series against Boston competitive if Joel Embiid<\/a> were healthy, but that\u2019s rare.<\/p>\n Cleveland-Toronto should be, by far, the most exciting series in Round 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. <\/p>\n Western Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n (1)<\/strong> Oklahoma City Thunder<\/span><\/strong> over (5)<\/strong> Houston Rockets<\/strong> in 5 games Here\u2019s where the real <\/em>disagreement among our panel started. Eckardt picked the Nuggets to take down the Spurs in seven games, evidently not convinced that San Antonio is ready for complete stardom. He also noted that whoever won DEN-SA would reach the NBA Finals.<\/p>\n For OKC-HOU, the world will see that the Rockets benefited from playing a depleted Lakers team in Round 1. <\/p>\n Eastern Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n (4)<\/strong> Cleveland Cavaliers<\/span><\/strong> over (1) Detroit Pistons<\/strong> <\/span>in 7 games ” data-large-file=”\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/USATSI_28297638.jpg” src=”http:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/USATSI_28297638.jpg” alt=”Donovan Mitchell dribbles the ball during a game against the Hornets at Spectrum Center. nba playoff predictions 2026″> Our first real upset? The Cavaliers over the Pistons. Detroit feels like one of the familiar upstart NBA teams that are obviously good but may not hold up on the grandest stage<\/a>. Getting some early-exit redemption last year, the Cavaliers punched their ticket to the ECF.<\/p>\n Also noteworthy: Frey picked the Knicks to upset the Celtics but was overruled by Eckardt and Baker. <\/p>\n Eastern Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n (2)<\/strong> Boston Celtics<\/span><\/strong> over (4) Cleveland Cavaliers <\/strong>in 7 games<\/p>\n When Jayson Tataum got hurt last year, the world didn\u2019t know if his Achilles would heal in time to play during the 2025-2026 NBA season. Well, the tendon did heal, and he returned with plenty of time to find regular season footing before the postseason.<\/p>\n This one will go the distance, but the Celtics\u2019 three-point shooting will overwhelm the Cavaliers.<\/p>\n Western Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n (2)<\/strong> San Antonio Spurs<\/span><\/strong> over (1) Oklahoma City Thunder<\/strong> in 7 games<\/p>\n This is must-see television. Baker picked the Thunder to take down the Spurs, and if that happened, he\u2019d pick the Thunder over the Celtics in the Finals. But Frey and Eckardt outvoted him, picking the Spurs to reach the championship and put Victor Wembanyama on the league\u2019s grandest stage in just Year No. 3.<\/p>\n So, in one for the ages, the Spurs outlast the Thunder, putting a damper on Oklahoma City\u2019s plan for a dynasty.<\/p>\n Boston Celtics<\/span><\/strong> over San Antonio Spurs <\/strong>in 7 games<\/p>\n The panel split here, with Frey taking the Spurs in seven, but Eckardt Baker rolling with the Celtics. Unsurprisingly, Jayson Tatum was the unanimous Finals MVP pick<\/a>; the league will certainly give it to him this time around.<\/p>\n ” data-large-file=”\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/USATSI_28655310.jpg” src=”http:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/USATSI_28655310.jpg” alt=”Jayson Tatum and Derrick White react after a basket against the Bucks at Fiserv Forum. nba playoff predictions 2026″> The <\/em>Ringer<\/em>\u2018s<\/span> Matt Dollinger picked the Celtics over the Thunder and explained<\/a>, \u201cCeltics over Thunder. I wanted to pick this before the season, but I chickened out and\u00a0picked\u00a0Joe Mazzulla to win Coach of the Year instead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m as anti-Boston as you are legally allowed to be at\u00a0The Ringer<\/em>, but this always felt like a \u2018No One Believes in Us Even Though We\u2019re Sort of the Best Team\u2019 season. They spent the season redefining their depth and underdog identity. If Tatum pulls off this level of a comeback, we\u2019ll never hear the end of it. It\u2019s happening.\u201d<\/p>\nFootball 3-4 Teams Sit at the Center of the 2026 Title Race<\/h2>\n
Jan 28, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) and guard Stephon Castle (5) react after a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
First Round<\/h3>\n
(5) Houston Rockets<\/span><\/strong> over (4) Los Angeles Lakers<\/strong> in 6 games
(3) Denver Nuggets <\/span><\/strong>over (6)<\/strong> Minnesota Timberwolves<\/strong> in 7 games
(7) San Antonio Spurs<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/strong> over (2)<\/strong> Portland Trailblazers<\/strong> in 5 games<\/p>\n
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers<\/span><\/strong> over (5) Toronto Raptors<\/strong> in 6 games
(3) New York Knicks <\/span><\/strong>over (6)<\/strong> Atlanta Hawks<\/strong> in 6 games
(2) Boston Celtics<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/strong> over (7)<\/strong> Philadelphia 76ers<\/strong> in 5 games<\/p>\nSecond Round<\/h3>\n
(7) San Antonio Spurs<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/strong> over (3) Denver Nuggets<\/strong> in 7 games<\/p>\n
(2)<\/strong> Boston Celtics<\/span><\/strong> over (3) New York Knicks<\/strong> in 7 games<\/p>\nFeb 20, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dribbles against the Charlotte Hornets during the second quarter at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Conference Championships<\/h3>\n
NBA Finals<\/h3>\n
Apr 3, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts with guard Derrick White (9) after scoring a basket against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n