The 2026 NBA playoffs have seen unexpected drama, with the Oklahoma City Thunder sweeping the Phoenix Suns despite losing Jalen Williams to injury. Key players like Anthony Edwards are sidelined, while the Orlando Magic lead their series against the Detroit Pistons 3-1.
Key points
2026 NBA playoffs are experiencing unexpected drama
Oklahoma City Thunder swept Phoenix Suns despite Jalen Williams' injury
Anthony Edwards is out for the Timberwolves due to a knee injury
Orlando Magic lead Detroit Pistons 3-1 in their series
New York Knicks are in a tied series
Oklahoma City ThunderPhoenix SunsJalen WilliamsAnthony Edwards
NBA playoffs 2026 rankings: Who have been the 10 best players so far?
Though only one first-round series is complete and no top championship contender is eliminated, the 2026 NBA playoffs have already been jarred by unexpected drama.
Through all this during the opening 10 days of the NBA playoffs, some of the league's biggest stars and a few unexpected names have emerged to produce compelling and clutch performances. Here's a look at the 10 best players in the 2026 NBA playoffs through games played on Monday, April 27:
Q&A
Who are the top 10 players in the 2026 NBA playoffs so far?
The article ranks the 10 best players based on their performances during the playoffs up to April 27, 2026.
What happened to Jalen Williams in the NBA playoffs 2026?
Jalen Williams suffered a hamstring injury, which occurred during the Thunder's playoff series against the Suns.
How is Anthony Edwards' injury affecting the Timberwolves in the playoffs?
Anthony Edwards is sidelined with a knee injury, impacting the Timberwolves' performance in their first-round series against the Nuggets.
What is the current status of the Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons series?
The Orlando Magic currently lead the series against the Detroit Pistons 3-1, putting the Pistons on the brink of elimination.
Related Articles
Sports
Interim designator Dino Tommasi sends āmessage of solidarityā to ousted predecessor Rocchi
Dino Tommasi sends solidarity to Gianluca Rocchi in his first role as interim designator.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
Draymond Green blasts Kevin Durant detractors who claim he quit on Rockets
Draymond Green slams critics claiming Kevin Durant quit on Rockets
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
Key details emerge in Jonathan Greenardās flexible $100M contract
Eagles acquire Jonathan Greenard from Vikings for two picks and sign him to a $100M contract.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
Packers GM explains decision to trade up for kicker Trey Smack
Packers GM explains decision to trade up for kicker Trey Smack in 2026 NFL draft.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
Bucs projected a Big 12 defender in way-too-early 2027 NFL Mock Draft
Tampa Bay Buccaneers projected to draft Brice Pollock in 2027 NFL Draft.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
Mississippi high school Mr. Baseball winners for 2026 announced by MHSAA
Mississippi announces 2026 Mr. Baseball winners across all classes!
McCollum's clutch shot-making in Games 3 and 4 gave the Hawks a series lead over the Knicks before New York evened the matchup with a dominant Game 4 win. The 34-year-old is averaging better than 24 points per game on 51% shooting, harkening back to the numbers he put up during the Trail Blazers' 2019 run to the Western Conference Finals.
Banchero's outside shooting remains inconsistent and a potential issue in these playoffs, but he and Desmond Bane have the Orlando Magic on the cusp of knocking off the Eastern Conference's top seed. Only Gilgeous-Alexander is getting to the free throw line more times per game than Banchero so far this postseason.
This hasn't been Jokic's best postseason series by any stretch, with his defensive flaws magnified because the Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert-led defense has been effective at slowing him down at times. But Jokic is still averaging almost a triple-double in five games against Minnesota (25.4 points, 14 rebounds, 9.4 assists) after his second triple-double of the series in Game 5.
Towns has been a stabilizing force against the Atlanta Hawks and the Knicks used him to facilitate their offense to even their first-round series in Game 4. Towns registered his first-career playoff triple-double (20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) after a 21-point, 17-rebound double-double in Game 3.
Minnesota's trade-deadline acquisition of Dosunmu looks like a steal after back-to-back huge performances, including a 43-point explosion in Game 4, moved the Timberwolves one win from ousting the Denver Nuggets despite injuries to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo. Dosunmu is averaging 22.8 points and four assists on 64% shooting coming off the bench.
The NBA playoffs bring out more than highāstakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the leagueās biggest stage.
See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.
Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
The shoes of Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
Shoes worn by Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
The Nike Lebron XXIII shoes worn by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Houston Rockets in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, at Crypto.com Arena.
Shoes worn by Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
The shoes of Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
1 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The NBA playoffs bring out more than highāstakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the leagueās biggest stage.
See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.
Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
1 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The NBA playoffs bring out more than highāstakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the leagueās biggest stage.
See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.
Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
2 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
3 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
4 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
Shoes worn by Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
5 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The Nike Lebron XXIII shoes worn by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Houston Rockets in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, at Crypto.com Arena.
6 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
Shoes worn by Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
7 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
8 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
9 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
Barnes has been the best player through four games of the Raptors' tightly-contested first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, with his two-way versatility allowing Toronto to go small featuring Collin Murray-Boyles. He's averaging 25.8 points and 7.3 assists while also connecting on 7 of his 15 3-point attempts through four games.
James turned back the clock to lead the Lakers to three wins to start their first-round series against the Rockets, averaging 25.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists while sparking the likes of Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined by injury.
Tatum's return from injury was the NBA's most remarkable late-season storyline and he appears to be rounding into form during this first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tatum's points (24.8) and and shooting percentage are up through four games and he's among the league's leaders in assists (8.5) this postseason while leading the Celtics' offense.
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama pumps his fist at the end of the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026. Victor WembanyamaĀ became theĀ youngest player in NBA historyĀ to win the league's Defensive Player of the Year award Monday, April 20 in the first unanimous vote in league history.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama passes the ball away from Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (23) in the second half at Ball Arena in Denver on April 4, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama blocks the shot of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic in the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on April 4, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket between Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) and center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on Apr 19, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts after dunking ahead of Philadelphia 76ers forwards Justin Edwards (11) and Dominick Barlow (25) during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Frost Bank Center on Apr 6, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) runs on the court against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter at the Chase Center on Apr 1, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) is introduced before the game against then Chicago Bulls at Frost Bank Center on Mar 30, 2026.
LA Clippers guard Jordan Miller (22) shoots the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in the first half at Intuit Dome on Mar. 16, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks a shot against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) in the first half at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 10, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in introduced before the game against the Houston Rockets at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 8, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts with teammates forwards Carter Bryant (11) and Julian Champagnie (30) and guard Devin Vassell (24) after securing a comeback victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 6, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama (1) beats a drum and leads fans on a cheer after a victory over the Detroit Pistons at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) and at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) rebounds the ball in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Mar. 3, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks to pass the ball from the floor during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Moody Center on Feb. 19, 2026.
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) and San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) battle for a loose ball during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center on Jan. 28, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) defends Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) in the second half at State Farm Arena on Dec. 19, 2025
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama during practice prior to the Emirates NBA Cup championship at the T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 15, 2025
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates with San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Oct. 22, 2025.
1 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama pumps his fist at the end of the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026. Victor WembanyamaĀ became theĀ youngest player in NBA historyĀ to win the league's Defensive Player of the Year award Monday, April 20 in the first unanimous vote in league history.
1 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama pumps his fist at the end of the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026. Victor WembanyamaĀ became theĀ youngest player in NBA historyĀ to win the league's Defensive Player of the Year award Monday, April 20 in the first unanimous vote in league history.
2 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama passes the ball away from Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (23) in the second half at Ball Arena in Denver on April 4, 2026.
3 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama blocks the shot of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic in the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on April 4, 2026.
4 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket between Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) and center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on Apr 19, 2026.
5 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts after dunking ahead of Philadelphia 76ers forwards Justin Edwards (11) and Dominick Barlow (25) during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Frost Bank Center on Apr 6, 2026.
6 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) runs on the court against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter at the Chase Center on Apr 1, 2026.
7 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) is introduced before the game against then Chicago Bulls at Frost Bank Center on Mar 30, 2026.
8 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
LA Clippers guard Jordan Miller (22) shoots the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in the first half at Intuit Dome on Mar. 16, 2026.
9 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks a shot against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) in the first half at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 10, 2026.
10 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in introduced before the game against the Houston Rockets at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 8, 2026.
11 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts with teammates forwards Carter Bryant (11) and Julian Champagnie (30) and guard Devin Vassell (24) after securing a comeback victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 6, 2026.
12 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama (1) beats a drum and leads fans on a cheer after a victory over the Detroit Pistons at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026.
13 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) and at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026.
14 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) rebounds the ball in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Mar. 3, 2026.
15 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks to pass the ball from the floor during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Moody Center on Feb. 19, 2026.
16 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) and San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) battle for a loose ball during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center on Jan. 28, 2026.
17 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) defends Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) in the second half at State Farm Arena on Dec. 19, 2025
18 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama during practice prior to the Emirates NBA Cup championship at the T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 15, 2025
19 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates with San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Oct. 22, 2025.
Wemby might be even higher on this list if not for missing most of Game 2 and Game 3 of the Spurs' first-round series while in the NBA's concussion protocol. But he's otherwise been dominant in the two full playoff games he's played in against the Portland Trail Blazers, with 35 points in his postseason debut in Game 1 and 27 points, 12 rebounds, 7 blocks and 4 steals in his return from injury in Game 4.
The defending NBA champions didn't really flinch when Jalen Williams went down with an injury because Gilgeous-Alexander wouldn't allow it. The reigning NBA MVP (and the favorite to be the back-to-back winner this year) shot 55.1% from the field and averaged 33.8 points and 8 assists per game during the Thunder's sweep of the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.