The NBA playoffs began with thrilling action as the Los Angeles Lakers upset the Houston Rockets, who were without Kevin Durant, and the Denver Nuggets triumphed over the Minnesota Timberwolves. On April 19, 2026, the San Antonio Spurs will face the Portland Trail Blazers, where standout rookie Victor Wembanyama will make his playoff debut. The Spurs, boasting the second-best odds for the NBA title, are expected to engage in a low-scoring battle against the defensively strong Trail Blazers, with a betting line set under 221.5 points. In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons, with a remarkable 60-win season and the second-best defense, are heavily favored to cover a 9-point spread against the Orlando Magic, who recently secured their playoff spot with a convincing win over the Charlotte Hornets. Despite some flashes of talent, the Magic's inconsistent performance and poor road record make them underdogs in this matchup.