5 first-round bold predictions for the 2026 NBA playoffs

We know that James can rise to the occasion, and he certainly has to here. This isn’t the way he’s going to want to go out, so look for him to be heavily involved and have three triple-doubles.

VJ Edgecombe Averages 25 Points per Game

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Joel Embiid is injured. The Philadelphia 76ers begin the postseason without Embiid, and that means the focus is on their backcourt. It’s an easy matchup against the Boston Celtics, and I’d expect them to focus on shutting down Tyrese Maxey. That’s not to say he won’t have success, but it will open things up for VJ Edgecombe.

In a strong rookie season, Edgecombe averaged 16 points per game, but that jumped to 20.6 in his last 11 games. Based on game context, I’m looking for that number to rise even more in the first round of the NBA playoffs, as the 76ers will likely be trailing as well.

Daniss Jenkins Averages 15 Points per Game

Yes, Cade Cunningham is healthy and returned before the end of the regular season. This is the NBA playoffs, so the urgency is also there. However, it’s also the first round of what should be a long postseason journey for the Detroit Pistons.

Over a 10-game stretch when Cunningham was sidelined, Daniss Jenkins averaged 19.9 points per game, so we know he’s capable. The Pistons will be heavily favored in round one, so look for them to manage Cunningham’s workload where possible. That will open up more opportunities for Jenkins, who could be one of the best bench players of the postseason.

Neemias Queta Averages 15 and 10

Credit is due to Neemias Queta as he’s seemingly taken the center role for the Boston Celtics and run with it. In 25 minutes per game during the regular season, Queta averaged 10.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. The 76ers won’t have Joel Embiid available against Queta and the Celtics, and I’d expect Boston to lean even more heavily on Queta in what should be a relatively stress-free first-round series.

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