The NBA playoffs are reaching a critical juncture, with second-round matchups hinging on a few pivotal contests. Reports suggest a strong defensive performance from the Lakers, fueled by LeBron James' 28 points, was enough to overcome the Rockets.
Meanwhile, the Pistons have forced a Game 7 with a "historic comeback," a testament to their resilience. The Nuggets are aiming to maintain their momentum, but face stiff competition. The league's structure sees the higher-seeded teams benefit from home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Play-in games, involving teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference, precede the main playoff bracket, which commenced on April 19th with best-of-seven series.
Predictions for the Eastern Conference title lean towards the Cavaliers, while the Thunder are favored in the West. These forecasts are fluid, adjusting weekly based on team performance, player injuries, and winning streaks. The NBA Cup, a new tournament, is also shaping the season. Its group stage concluded on November 28th, with quarterfinals and semifinals scheduled for December 9th-13th and the final on December 16th in Las Vegas.
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The regular season calendar, released on August 14th, outlines key dates. International games begin November 1st in Mexico City between the Mavericks and Pistons. A notable early season fixture sees Anthony Davis return to Los Angeles on November 28th for a Lakers-Mavericks matchup as part of the NBA Cup. The season also features the NBA Berlin Games 2026 on January 15th, with the Magic facing a team yet to be named. Another game that evening pits the Knicks against the Cavaliers, featuring a duel between top draft prospects Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, alongside Victor Wembanyama's anticipated return. Contract periods for 10-day deals open on January 5th, with all player contracts becoming guaranteed on January 10th.
