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NBA playoff bracket takes shape for spring chase
Defending champion Denver Nuggets lead Western Conference while Boston Celtics top the East in pursuit of championship glory.
The NBA playoff bracket for the 2026 postseason has taken shape following the regular season's final week, with the top-seeded Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics positioned as the favorites to emerge from their respective conferences. The bracket features several compelling matchups and storylines, from surprise playoff appearances to potential rematches of recent title races.
Eastern Conference Bracket
The Eastern Conference presents a competitive field of eight teams vying for the championship. The top seeds have emerged relatively predictable, but the lower bracket features several teams capable of making deep runs.
- 1. Boston Celtics vs. 8. Charlotte Hornets — Celtics favored in first round
- 2. Miami Heat vs. 7. Toronto Raptors — Heat expected to advance
- 3. New York Knicks vs. 6. Philadelphia 76ers — Competitive series expected
- 4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5. Chicago Bulls — Bulls trying to surprise
Boston enters as the Eastern Conference favorite with a 27-15 record down the stretch, featuring one of the league's strongest defensive units. "We've been playing the brand of basketball we need to win in the playoffs," said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla during a press conference last week. The Knicks and Heat present the most legitimate threats, with New York's younger roster showing significant improvement over last season's campaign.
Western Conference Bracket
The West features the defending champion Denver Nuggets as the top seed, though the Los Angeles Lakers have made a surprising late-season surge to claim the second seed. Eight teams compete for a chance to challenge Denver's dynasty aspirations.
- 1. Denver Nuggets vs. 8. Portland Trail Blazers — Nuggets heavily favored
- 2. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 7. Golden State Warriors — Lakers as favorites despite Warriors pedigree
- 3. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 6. Houston Rockets — Thunder expected to win
- 4. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 5. Phoenix Suns — Suns seeking depth advantage
Denver maintains a healthy 18-game lead over the second-seeded Lakers, but the star power in the Western Conference bracket suggests potential for upsets. Oklahoma City and Houston present a fascinating matchup between two organizations rebuilding with young talent, while the Clippers and Suns face off in what could be a tightly contested series. Phoenix's acquisition of veteran bench players during the February trade deadline is expected to pay dividends now.
Playoff Predictions
Most analysts project a Finals matchup between the Celtics and Nuggets, with Boston's dominant regular season defense countering Denver's championship experience. However, the unpredictability of playoff basketball means any of the eight teams in each conference could realistically reach their respective Finals. The Warriors' ability to capitalize on late-game situations, combined with the Lakers' strong front court play, make the Western Conference particularly volatile. First-round series are scheduled to begin April 14th, with the Finals currently targeted for June 1st. Over 47,000 fans have already purchased tickets for Game 1 of the Finals, despite the championship matchup not yet being determined.