NBA experts pick Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs to advance
NBA analysts have unanimously backed the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs to advance to the Western Conference finals following a dramatic opening round of the 2026 playoffs.
The defending champions swept the Phoenix Suns in four games to set up a tantalising second-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Every surveyed expert expects the top seeds to eliminate the Californian franchise, with the majority predicting a swift five-game victory.
A similarly decisive verdict has been delivered in favour of the second-seeded San Antonio roster.
Wembanyama to capitalise on Edwards injury
The Texan outfit, spearheaded by Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama, confidently dispatched the Portland Trail Blazers in five games.
They are now preparing to face a Minnesota Timberwolves team severely hampered by the absence of star guard Anthony Edwards.
The explosive scorer has been sidelined since game four of the opening round, leading all ten analysts to predict a straightforward progression for the Spurs.
Pistons and Cavaliers set for Eastern clash
Predictions are notably more divided across the Eastern Conference bracket following a gruelling series of game seven deciders.
The top-seeded Detroit Pistons completed a remarkable comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the Orlando Magic to keep their championship hopes alive.
Six out of eight analysts expect the Motor City franchise to overcome the Cleveland Cavaliers, who recently survived a tense seven-game battle with the Toronto Raptors.
Knicks favoured over resilient Sixers
Elsewhere, the New York Knicks are heavily favoured to dispatch the Philadelphia 76ers in the remaining conference semi-final.
Seven experts backed the third seeds to conquer a resilient Philadelphia side, suggesting a fiercely contested series awaits at Madison Square Garden.
