NBA Playoffs: 2026 Conference Semifinals Start After Close Games

The 2026 NBA Playoffs are now in the conference semifinals. Many first-round games were very close, with 5 out of 8 series going to 6 or 7 games.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

The 2026 NBA Playoffs have advanced to the conference semifinals, showcasing a slate of intense matchups following a first round marked by several grueling seven-game series.

Eastern Conference Heats Up

In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons emerged victorious in a hard-fought seven-game series against the Orlando Magic, clinching the advancement with a decisive Game 7 win. Similarly, the Philadelphia 76ers also survived a Game 7 scare to eliminate the Boston Celtics. The New York Knicks advanced with a 4-2 series win over the Atlanta Hawks, while the Cleveland Cavaliers likewise dispatched the Toronto Raptors in seven games.

Pivotal Series Results

  • Detroit Pistons defeated Orlando Magic (4-3)

  • Philadelphia 76ers defeated Boston Celtics (4-3)

  • New York Knicks defeated Atlanta Hawks (4-2)

  • Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Toronto Raptors (4-3)

Western Conference Unfolds

The Western Conference saw the Oklahoma City Thunder assert dominance, sweeping the Phoenix Suns in four games. The San Antonio Spurs overcame the Portland Trail Blazers 4-1, while the Minnesota Timberwolves bested the Denver Nuggets in six games. The Los Angeles Lakers also advanced, defeating the Houston Rockets in six games.

Read More: Thunder Beat Lakers 121-92 in Playoff Game 1 on May 5

NBA Playoffs bracket 2026: Updated schedule, TV channels, scores for every round of postseason games - 1

Key Western Conference Outcomes

  • Oklahoma City Thunder defeated Phoenix Suns (4-0)

  • San Antonio Spurs defeated Portland Trail Blazers (4-1)

  • Minnesota Timberwolves defeated Denver Nuggets (4-2)

  • Los Angeles Lakers defeated Houston Rockets (4-2)

Semifinal Pairings Underway

The second round of games are now in motion. The Detroit Pistons are facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, with Detroit holding an early 1-0 lead in the series. The New York Knicks are set to meet the Philadelphia 76ers, having taken a 1-0 lead in their matchup.

In the Western Conference Semifinals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are matched against the Los Angeles Lakers, with the series currently tied at 0-0. The San Antonio Spurs are also facing the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the Timberwolves holding a 1-0 advantage in their series.

The playoff narrative has been defined by dramatic Game 7 outcomes and the emergence of contenders after intense first-round battles.

Background

The 2026 NBA Playoffs represent the culmination of the regular season, determining the league's champion through a series of best-of-seven elimination tournaments within each conference. The postseason structure aims to reward consistent performance throughout the year while providing opportunities for teams that peak at the right time. Games are broadcast across various networks including NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV, ABC, and ESPN. The NBA Finals are slated to commence on June 3rd.

Read More: Detroit Pistons beat Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 on May 5 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which NBA teams won their first-round playoff series in the Eastern Conference in 2026?
In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers all won their first-round series to advance to the semifinals. Three of these series went to a full seven games.
Q: Which NBA teams won their first-round playoff series in the Western Conference in 2026?
In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Lakers won their first-round series. The Thunder swept their opponent in four games.
Q: Who are the NBA teams playing in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2026?
The Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2026 feature the Detroit Pistons against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks against the Philadelphia 76ers. Detroit and New York have taken early 1-0 series leads.
Q: Who are the NBA teams playing in the Western Conference Semifinals in 2026?
The Western Conference Semifinals in 2026 pit the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves hold an early 1-0 lead in their series.