April 17, 2026
2026 NBA Playoff Preview — AI Predictions for Every Series
The 2026 NBA playoffs tip off Friday April 18. Here's how our AI model sees every first-round matchup.
Our model uses Monte Carlo score simulation calibrated on the full 2025-26 season. Every prediction is tracked publicly at edgebets.ca/nba-picks.
Eastern Conference
(1) Detroit Pistons vs (8) TBD (Play-in winner)
Detroit (60-22) earned the East's top seed with a remarkable turnaround season. They'll face either Orlando or Charlotte after tonight's play-in game.
Home court is a massive advantage in a 1-vs-8 matchup. Model leans: Detroit in 5.
(2) Boston Celtics vs (7) Philadelphia 76ers
Boston (56-26) hosts Philadelphia (45-37) in a classic rivalry. The Celtics have been one of the most consistent teams all season.
Philly earned the 7-seed by winning their play-in opener. Boston's depth should prevail. Model leans: Boston in 5.
(3) New York Knicks vs (6) Atlanta Hawks
New York (53-29) hosts Atlanta (46-36) at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks' home-court advantage in the postseason is real.
Model leans: New York in 6.
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (5) Toronto Raptors
Cleveland (52-30) and Toronto (46-36) split the season series. Cleveland has home court but Toronto has playoff experience.
Model leans: Cleveland in 6.
Western Conference
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (8) TBD (Play-in winner)
OKC (64-18) posted the league's best record and will face either Phoenix or Golden State after tonight's play-in.
The Thunder's depth and home court make them prohibitive favorites. Model leans: OKC in 5.
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (7) Portland Trail Blazers
San Antonio (62-20) hosts Portland (42-40). The Spurs' dominant season makes them heavy favorites.
Model leans: San Antonio in 5.
(3) Denver Nuggets vs (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
Denver (54-28) and Minnesota (49-33) know each other well from last year's playoff battle. Altitude advantage is real.
Model leans: Denver in 6.
(4) Los Angeles Lakers vs (5) Houston Rockets
LA (53-29) hosts Houston (52-30) in what could be the most competitive Western first-round series.
Model leans: Los Angeles in 7.
NBA Finals Pick
The model gives Oklahoma City Thunder the highest probability to win the NBA Finals, based on their league-best 64-18 record and dominant point differential. Detroit is the Eastern favorite.
All playoff picks will be tracked live at edgebets.ca/nba-picks. Every pick, every result — full transparency.