The second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs is here, and our NBA insiders have you covered for every game of the Eastern and Western Conference semifinals.
The 2-seeded New York Knicks opened their Eastern Conference semifinal series Monday by beating the 7-seedPhiladelphia 76ers, taking a 1-0 lead. Meanwhile, the No. 1 seedDetroit Pistonsround out the East bracket on Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In the West,Victor Wembanyamaand the 2-seedSan Antonio Spurs are taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves, who haveAnthony Edwards(left knee injury) backfor Game 1. The top-seededOklahoma City Thunder, who swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round, will start their series against the No. 4Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.
As teams chase the Larry O’Brien Trophy, here’s what matters most in both conferences and what to watch for in all four series.
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Eastern Conference
Biggest takeaway from Game 1:Perhaps Game 1 was the result of the Philadelphia 76erscoming off an emotional 3-1 series rally against the Boston Celtics. Or maybe the New York Knicks are rounding into real championship shape, with a fourth straight blowout win in these playoffs and each game essentially over before halftime. The sweat equity these Knicks have built over this season was on display as they stifled Sixers centerJoel Embiid(when they weren’t shaken by the desperate Hack-A-Mitch strategy againstMitchell Robinson).Karl-Anthony Townsshowed that he’s a matchup nightmare with 17 points (including three 3-pointers), six rebounds and six assists in just 20 minutes; andJalen Brunson ran wild in the first half. Freed from feeling the Atlanta Hawks draped over him, Brunson scored 27 of his 31 points before halftime. — Vincent Goodwill
What to watch in Game 2:It was Philadelphia’s shooting that doomed them against New York on Monday. Not only was New York scorching hot but Philly missed just about everything — the Sixers made just 41% of their field goals and 37% of their 3s — and the result was an embarrassing loss. Philadelphia will have to do a much better job defendingJalen Brunson and get Tyrese Maxey going much earlier if it wants Game 2 to look different Wednesday night. — Tim Bontemps
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