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The first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs begins Saturday. Who will advance to the conference semis? Here are our staff predictions for every series.
Everything to know for the NBA playoffs: Predictions, series previews, X-factors
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Dan Devine: Celtics in 5
Tom Haberstroh: Celtics in 5
Kelly Iko: Celtics in 4
Morten Stig Jensen: Celtics in 5
Steve Jones: Celtics in 5
Kevin O’Connor: Celtics in 4
Ben Rohrbach: Celtics in 6
Dan Titus: Celtics in 5
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Joel Embiid will miss the start, if not all, of the first-round series against the Celtics because of an appendectomy. So odds are Philadelphia’s season is over. But if the Sixers hang on, and if Embiid comes back, it’s gonna be because they replenished his scoring elsewhere. Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and VJ Edgecombe will handle most of that. But there needs to be another guy. There will need to be a Quentin Grimes Game. — O’Connor
Given all of Boston’s efficiencies — fewest turnovers per game, third in made 3s per game and top-five in offensive rebounding rate — it is hard to imagine the Sixers manufacturing enough points, even with Maxey, Edgecombe and George as options. — Rohrbach
Read the full 76ers-Celtics preview
(3) Knicks vs. (6) Hawks
Dan Devine: Knicks in 6
Tom Haberstroh: Knicks in 7
Kelly Iko: Knicks in 6
Morten Stig Jensen: Knicks in 7
Steve Jones: Knicks in 6
Kevin O’Connor: Knicks in 7
Ben Rohrbach: Knicks in 6
Dan Titus: Knicks in 6
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The Hawks are tough, talented, versatile and athletic, with enough experience that it’s unlikely they’ll wilt in the postseason hothouse, despite it being this core’s first trip as a unit. But these Knicks have won at least one road game in the opening round in each of the last three postseasons — and, in fact, eliminated the Cavaliers, 76ers and Pistons all away from MSG. I expect the trend to continue, with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns having big series en route to New York’s fifth series win in the last four postseasons. — Devine
Read the full Hawks-Knicks preview
(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Raptors
Dan Devine: Cavs in 7
Tom Haberstroh: Cavs in 6
Kelly Iko: Cavs in…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/2026-nba-playoffs-predictions-for-every-first-round-series-160959250.html
Author : Yahoo Sports Staff
Publish date : 2026-04-17 16:09:00
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