NBA Playoff Preview 2026 | Play-In Picks & First Round Breakdown

The NBA Playoffs are here, and the play-in gets things started on Tuesday. I run through every matchup we know right now with quick thoughts on who advances and why.

In the West, the play-in has some genuinely compelling storylines with Phoenix and Portland both being surprising stories this season. The Clippers and Golden State are two veteran teams trying to drag themselves across the finish line one more time. Denver against Minnesota is the most intriguing first-round matchup in the West, two teams that have built a real rivalry with clear contrasting styles. And the Lakers against Houston lose a lot of their drama without Luka and Reeves being healthy.

In the East, the Raptors get Cleveland in the first round, and I break down exactly where Toronto's path forward is and what they need to do to give themselves any kind of a chance. The Knicks get Atlanta in a series that has been a great story but probably ends one way. And Orlando and Philadelphia are a matchup that has been a disaster for one side in particular, and I get into why.

Who do you think advances? Let me know in the comments.

#NBAPlayoffs2026 #NBAPlayIn #TorontoRaptors #ClevelandCavaliers #NewYorkKnicks #DenverNuggets #MinnesotaTimberwolves #HoustonRockets #LosAngelesLakers #PhoenixSuns #NBA2026 #NBATwitter #BasketballPlayoffs #CouchPotatoDiary #PeterKlein


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