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2026 NBA Playoffs: Bracket, schedule, scores, matchups for first round including Lakers vs. Rockets
TL;DR
The 2026 NBA Playoffs begin on April 18 with the first round featuring key matchups, including the Lakers vs. Rockets. Updated brackets, scores, and viewing information will be provided throughout the playoffs.
Key points
- 2026 NBA Playoffs begin on April 18
- First round features Lakers vs. Rockets
- Playoffs will be updated through the NBA Finals
- Viewing information will be provided
- Second round and conference finals dates are not set
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The NBA Playoffs are here! Finally, games every night with weight and meaning. No more tanking — or worse yet, the endless discussion about tanking. Just teams putting their best five on the court, diving deep into strategy, and going all out to win.
Here are the playoff brackets and updated scores — plus the times and where to watch anything — starting with the first round. This story will be updated through the NBA Finals. Here's what you need to know.
When do the NBA Playoffs begin?
The first round starts on Saturday, April 18, with four games. Play in the first round will potentially continue into May (depending on whether a series goes seven games). The times and dates for the second round and the conference finals have yet to be set.
When do the NBA Finals begin?
The NBA Finals tip off on June 3, with the first game set for 8:30 ET (broadcast on ABC) at the arena of the Finals team with the better regular-season record (Oklahoma City has the best record overall in the league and would have home-court advantage against anyone in the Finals).
NBA Eastern Conference, Western Conference playoff bracket
NBA Playoffs Schedule 2026
All times are Eastern (* = if necessary).
First-Round Games
Eastern Conference
#1 Detroit vs. #8 Orlando/Charlotte
Game 1: Orlando/Charlotte at Detroit, Sunday April 19 (6:30 ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 2: Orlando/Charlotte at Detroit, Wednesday April 22 (7 ET, ESPN)
Game 3: Detroit at Orlando/Charlotte April 25 (1 ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 4: Detroit at Orlando/Charlotte April 27 (TBD)
* Game 5: Orlando/Charlotte at Detroit April 29 (TBD)
* Game 6: Detroit at Orlando/Charlotte May 1 (TBD)
* Game 7: Orlando/Charlotte at Detroit May 3 (TBD)
(2) Boston vs. (7) Philadelphia
Game 1: Philadelphia at Boston, Sunday April 19 (1 ET, ABC) Game 2: Philadelphia at Boston, Tuesday April 21 (7 ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 3: Boston at Philadelphia, April 24 (7 ET, Prime Video) Game 4: Boston at Philadelphia, April 26 (7 ET, NBC/Peacock) *Game 5: Philadelphia at Boston, April 28 (TBD) *Game 6: Boston at Philadelphia, April 30 (TBD) *Game 7: Philadelphia at Boston, May 2 (TBD)
Q&A
What date do the 2026 NBA Playoffs start?
The 2026 NBA Playoffs start on Saturday, April 18.
Which teams are playing in the first round of the NBA Playoffs?
The first round includes matchups such as the Lakers vs. Rockets.
When will the NBA Finals take place in 2026?
The exact date for the NBA Finals has not yet been set.
How can I watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
Viewing information for the NBA Playoffs will be provided alongside the updated scores and brackets.
