The 2026 NBA playoffs are anticipated to be highly competitive, with the Oklahoma City Thunder emerging as the favorites to repeat as champions. The Thunder, despite facing injuries, finished the regular season with the best record. In the Eastern Conference, the playoffs will feature matchups such as Cleveland against Detroit and Boston against New York, with predictions favoring Cleveland and Boston to advance. The Thunder are expected to defeat the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets in the early rounds, while the Denver Nuggets are anticipated to have a tough series against the San Antonio Spurs. In the Eastern Conference Finals, Boston is predicted to overcome Cleveland, setting up a showdown with Oklahoma City in the finals. Ultimately, the Thunder are projected to win the championship against the Celtics, leveraging their depth and experience to secure a 4-1 victory.