2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Play Picks in North America

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Time has flown by since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Erling Haaland has made Norway a respectable, serious team. Various teams in Africa and Asia are relevant again. Spain’s Lamine Yamal is the most talented young adult in the sport. Several legendary players could take the stage in their (potentially) last World Cup tournament.

The format many of us were used to before 2022 is thankfully back. There is no desert heat in any match hosted in North America, but there will be three nations hosting matches for the first time in FIFA World Cup history. Most teams will have different issues to contend with like public transportation, but that’s something every team should have figured out.

For those not familiar with how round one of the World Cup works or the new rules that are now in place, this explanation should help. 12 groups containing four teams each compete to advance to the next round. The top two teams in each group, plus eight third place winners will make round two. The 32 teams that advance must have high point totals or tie-breakers. Winners of each match get three points, those who draw receive one, and losers gain none. All four teams play each other in their own group. It is therefore better to strategize how to play all three teams in order to advance. FIFA has added more rules that should be read before and during the tournament. Now that you understand the main parts of this format better, it is time to break down which teams from Groups A through L have the best chance of advancing to round two.

Group A: Mexico and Czech Republic

Draws against Portugal and Belgium, and wins against Ghana, Australia and Serbia have Mexico feeling confident heading into Thursday.

The tournament interestingly begins with Mexico playing South Africa. The former has racked up impressive results in their last five matches. El Tri has consistently played well enough to get out of round one in all but one of their World Cup appearances this century.

The Czech Republic is the other team favored to advance. Despite a turbulent time at the 2024 Euros, changes at coach and captain bore fruit in 2025. South Korea isn’t an intimidating team for Repre or Mexico, and South Africa does not have the offense to keep either teams listed at a tie. Therefore, these are the two teams this website sees advancing from Group A.

Group B: Canada, Switzerland

Les Rouges may have an easier time advancing to round two this time after a solid 2024 Copa America campaign.

Despite Qatar being the Asian champions, there is a clear difference in skill when they play talented teams. Bosnia and Herzegovina rely on talented teams playing them half-heartedly (yes, we’re looking at you Italy). However, the Dragons could surprise many and somehow make round two if they’re a strong contending third place/fringe second place team. That mostly depends on the other two teams.

Switzerland is easily the best team in this group. They’re the deepest, most veteran and talented. They also hold their own against many of the world’s best teams despite flying under the radar. It would be a shock if the Swiss don’t finish first in this group.

Canada will be the determining factor. Les Rouges play smart and held their own against most of of South America’s best teams. If a win isn’t possible, Canada makes sure to play to a tie. Various talented teams in the World Cup have found this out the hard way. A win against Qatar is assured given the Canucks talent advantage. If they play both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland to a draw (which is likely given Switzerland knows how to attack the Dragons better), Canada is the best option to clinch second place and make the elimination round.

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland

Morocco was the first African team to clinch a World Cup spot.

Given the talent level in this group, it’s safe to say Haiti is the easy last place team. Still, the Caribbean island returning to the tournament for the first time in 52 years is an accomplishment. If Haiti was in a less talented group, they would have a better chance to advance.

Brazil and Morocco are easy picks. Both are super talented and aren’t likely to drop to third place. The Atlas Lions are also in their golden era and are one of the top two teams in Africa.

Scotland has a team that could give analysts fits. The Tartans are one of the peskiest teams for any opponent, and they flustered a lot of European rivals the last few years. However, they have also struggled against most teams outside of the continent. There is a lot to like due to the competitive nature Scotland has each match, but there are serious questions whether this team can do enough to make round two. Given how their last two years have gone, the Tartans have a better chance than lesser talented third place teams on this list.

Group D: U.S., Paraguay, Türkiye

The U.S. might have the toughest group of the three North American host teams.

This may be the hardest group to predict because all four teams are solid and all have a lot of flaws. There is little doubt three of the four will make the second round. The question is which team will be at the bottom.

The U.S. and Paraguay seem to be the top two teams in Group D. Paraguay’s offensive depth makes them a problem for all three opponents, especially Australia and Turkiye. The U.S. has home pitch advantage and can at least tie two of their opponents.

Türkiye is a good pick for third place. Still young and shoddy at times, the Crescent-Stars impressed in the 2024 Euros and tied with Spain a few months ago. If Türkiye plays well, they could go far in this tournament.

The odd team out is Australia. There is nothing the Socceroos do that can counter the other three teams or gain advantages. If Australia was in a weaker group, they would qualify as a solid second round pick.

Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast

Forward Nick Woltemade has been one of the most important players in Germany’s resurgence.

It is safe to say Curaçao is the easy team out for this group. It’s impressive they clinched their first ever World Cup spot, but The Blue Wave has no chance of winning or tying a game.

That’s because Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast will all clinch a spot to round two. All three are veteran teams and have gotten better since 2022. It will be hard for a lot of teams to eliminate the Group E hydra.

Group F: Netherlands, Sweden

Netherlands will again be a favorite to go deep into the World Cup tournament.

The most veteran and skilled team is easily the Netherlands. Their coaching, scoring depth and defense can go blow for blow with any of the top football teams. Meanwhile, Japan and Tunisia don’t have enough of either. Neither should be good enough to make round two.

That leaves Sweden, one of the last teams to clinch a World Cup berth, as the second team that should advance to the elimination stage. The Swedes impressed and played better throughout the last nine months. That streak should continue these next few weeks.

Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt

No one has a weirder path throughout the 2026 World Cup like Iran.

Group G is a group that on paper, one looks at and assumes the two or three teams that advance will stick. Well, one of these teams didn’t make round two back in 2022 despite having every available advantage, and one team can only stay in Mexico given the current world conflicts in west Asia. Every match in this group will be a must-watch because the results might not have been the same if Iran was allowed to stay in the western U.S.

It seems New Zealand is the odd team out regardless. They don’t have the offensive firepower or shutdown defense either of the three teams have, and that might be the only decisive part of this group. The added number of teams is the one factor that should get the underwhelming trio of Belgium, Egypt and Iran into round two. Although we’ve seen stranger things happen (specifically with Belgium), the more interesting part is what happens if and when Iran advances.

Group H: Spain, Uruguay

Spain’s Lamine Yamal has been the biggest new name in international football the last few years.

This is the easiest of the 12 groups to predict. Spain is disputably the best football team in the world while Uruguay remains a hard-to-beat veteran and feisty team. Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde are the complete opposite. The end.

Group I: France, Senegal, Norway

While France and Norway will be the talk of most FIFA conversations within Group I, Senegal is the only current continental winners among the four.

Group I is the second hardest group to predict. Three teams will advance, and like Group D, one team will be left out. That team is likely Iraq, the last team that clinched a spot for the tournament. A big reason is because of how talented and durable the other three teams are. France is one of five favorites to make the final. Norway has the best scorer in Erling Haaland and a solid team that plays well around him. Senegal is one of the most balanced teams in the tournament and the best squad in Africa. This should be a fun group to watch every match.

Group J: Austria, Argentina, Algeria

No matter how well Argentina does in this year’s World Cup, it will be the last one we see of their super star Lionel Messi.

The reigning champs and the deep, veteran Austria seem easy locks to advance. The big question is whether Jordan or Algeria get to advance and play an elimination match. Algeria strangely has impressed throughout the last calendar year and knows how to play to their strengths and ties rather than taking unnecessary losses. This website believes The Desert Warriors will advance, but another team could do better in the third place points total and keep them on the outside looking in.

Group K: Colombia, Portugal, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Colombia has two tournaments left to win something for their current golden generation.

There might not be more pressure on a South American team (outside of maybe Brazil) than Colombia to make a deep run and get to the World Cup final. Los Cafeteros were one goal away from winning Copa America and have overwhelmed their global opponents. Colombia should be a favorite to win their first few elimination games after group play.

If Portugal can play their own style with their younger stars and not worry about when to play aging forward Cristiano Ronaldo, they should be heavy favorites to claim second place. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the decisive pick for a third place, second round team with their offensive talent and shutdown defense. Uzbekistan should be applauded for making it to the tournament for the first time since the USSR’s dissolution, but there is little they can do to stop the other three teams.

Group L: Croatia, England, Panama

Like other legends this in the 2026 World Cup, this will be the last tournament Croatian midfielder Luka Modric plays in. Modric’s role might be limited since he’s returned from a fractured cheekbone.

Two veteran European teams with grizzled captains will give it one more go this tournament. It’s almost certain Croatia’s Luka Modric and England’s Harry Kane will play in their last World Cup given their ages and the direction to which the national teams are transitioning. Yet, both teams have enough star power to advance to the elimination round.

The biggest question for this group is can Ghana or Panama solidify into third place and make the round of 32? Ghana is not as well rounded as Panama and lacks firepower on offense. Panama has proven they can hold their own against stronger North and South American teams. Panama could strangely be a team nobody expects to advance and then wins two elimination matches after group play.

2022 Group Play predictions: 12-4

2026 NBA Championship Finals Prediction

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Talk about two polar conference finals! The western conference finals became a full-on, seven game slugfest between the top two teams of Oklahoma City and San Antonio while New York swept Cleveland in the east. The Knicks have won nine straight games, including two convincing series sweeps. Whichever team wins this year’s championship deserves the praise and accolades. It is time to break down which franchise has the best chance of winning a championship and raising a banner in the NBA’s 79th season.

#3 New York Knicks v. #2 San Antonio Spurs

Even skilled veterans like OG Anunoby have struggled against center Victor Wembanyama all season.

There couldn’t be a more polar finals matchup if you tried to find one. New York was close to a finals appearance last year and was favored by many to at least return to the eastern conference finals this season. In the words of previous coaches, this could be New York’s only shot to win a championship with this core group.

San Antonio will make the Knicks earn that championship. 7’4″ center Victor Wembanyama has shattered every prediction and expectation of where viewers thought the Spurs would be in both his tenure and where he will be by his fifth season. The talent around Wembanyama has stepped up whenever needed and most importantly, San Antonio has learned how to fix mistakes and win games following losses.

In a lot of ways, New York and San Antonio mirror each other well. They have a lot of depth at every position, great coaching and learn valuable lessons after losses. The Knicks mostly have experience on their side while the Spurs have a lot of talent, determination to start a dynasty and don’t know any better compared to previous teams that have made it this far.

If New York wants to win their first championship in over 50 years, they need Karl Anthony-Towns (32) to dominate almost every game this series.

Verdict: There are two key differences that will determine which team wins this series. The first is matchup at center. Oklahoma City was lucky Isaiah Hartenstein played one of the best series of his career against Victor Wembanyama after Chet Holmgren imploded not even one game into the conference finals. Hartenstein at least has the body, versatility and smarts to counter a young, naïve generational talent. The Knicks don’t have that with any center on their roster. Karl Anthony-Towns has the distinct honor (and probably horror) of trying to stop Wembanyama every game. Anthony-Towns has improved every season of his NBA career, but he has a mostly thankless task of trying to stop San Antonio’s star center. Yes, Karl Anthony-Towns will have help from Mitchell Robinson at times, but he’s had injury issues throughout the postseason. Meanwhile, Wembanyama already said in previous interviews he uses envy and jealousy to drive him further to victory. Those energies have fed and strengthened the Spurs’ young core to surprising wins. Anyone who has seriously studied the NBA for decades knows exactly who he sounds like by saying this and playing like everything is a personal slight.

The second difference is one most people should think of the longer this series goes. Yes, Mike Brown is a Hall of Fame worthy coach considering what he has accomplished both this season and in previous years. Against any other team, Brown would have the coaching advantage (yes, even against the deep Thunder), but San Antonio is still a Gregg Popovich anchored team. When the Spurs lose a game, Popovich is the first person to let them know and make sure they fix what went wrong. Mitch Johnson is a solid coach but make no mistake, as long as Popovich is alive and has a working brain, it’s still his team. With Gregg Popovich watching every game, there is little doubt San Antonio loses a best of four to a less versatile Knicks…especially since the Spurs lost to New York in the Commissioner’s Cup earlier in the season. That should fuel Wembanyama’s fire.

Prediction: San Antonio Spurs defeat New York 4-2 and win their sixth Larry O’Brien Trophy

2026 NHL Stanley Cup Finals Prediction

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The NHL Stanley Cup finals are set. Vegas and Carolina have deep rosters and savvy coaches. Their power-plays and penalty kills are some of the best since playoffs began. Whichever team wins the finals deserves the accolades and label of champion. It is time to break down which one has the best chance of winning the finals and taking home both the Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup.

#4 Vegas Golden Knights v. #1 Carolina Hurricanes

Centers Jack Eichel (9) and Jordan Staal (11) mirror each other’s style of play.

The two most disciplined, veteran and talented teams made the Stanley Cup finals. Both coaches won a championship two decades ago and have evolved in how they see the game. While Rod Brind’Amour has been involved with Carolina for decades, John Tortorella was hired by the Golden Knights with eight games left in the regular season. Interestingly, both coaches are perfect fits for the teams they lead.

From Tortorella’s philosophy of constant shot-blocking and self-discipline on defense, to layers of scoring depth and a dangerous power-play, Vegas has played their best hockey in the postseason. There were reasons to think the Golden Knights would not make it this far after eliminating two younger teams the first two rounds. Yet, Vegas has played better the more quality the opponent and near elimination. It will be very hard to beat the Golden Knights in a best of seven.

Carolina though, has been the most dominant team this postseason. The Hurricanes became the fastest team to notch 12 wins in 13 playoff games. Their second line of Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven and Nikolaj Ehlers have single-handedly eliminated all three prior opponents. Goaltender Frederik Andersen has been a brick wall in net every win. At one point, Andersen replicated records from the legend Jacques Plante no one came close to in 60 years. Two sweeps has Carolina in the best shape they’ve been in this entire season.

Series deciding factor: Golden Knights defense versus the Hurricanes second line

The Hurricanes second line of Hall, Stankoven and Ehlers have impressed because all three are talented veterans who have been in the postseason several times prior to this year. The trio had a season to learn each other’s patterns and play to everyone’s strengths. While all three are dangerous on breakaways and open ice, Hall, Stankoven and Ehlers are most lethal five-on-five. Ottawa, Philadelphia and Montreal learned the hard way how goals by all three feel worse than giving up power-play goals.

Despite the trio’s scorching postseason, Vegas’ defense is deeper, championship ready and addicted to pain when they deflect shots. Rasmus Andersson, Dylan Coghlan, Noah Hanifin, Ben Hutton, Brayden McNabb, Shea Theodore and Kaedan Korczak are massive (the shortest among them being 6’1″) and command respect once opposing offenses get to work in the Golden Knights defensive zone. It’s one thing for young offenses in Utah and Anaheim to struggle, but what they did to Nathan MacKinnon, Artturi Lehkonen, Martin Necas, Brock Nelson, Ross Colton and Valeri Nichushkin was textbook defense the other 29 teams will watch film on this offseason. Andersson, Korczak and Hanifin might be new to the championship lights, but McNabb, Theodore and Hutton are not.

Verdict: Coach John Tortorella has relished a return to the Stanley Cup finals for at least a decade. His calculated discipline and evolved tactics have made him one of the few coaches to be a candidate for any open coaching position when he isn’t behind the bench. This is a perfect fit in Vegas; the roster is mature, well disciplined and committed to defense while having a layered, high-scoring offense. The Golden Knights retained a lot of their 2022-23 Cup winning roster. That is a big reason Vegas has fared better than even the league best Avalanche and should be seen as a favorite to win this series. The Golden Knights could surprise many again and play their best series in the finals.

The biggest thing to consider is how Carolina beat three, inexperienced playoff teams to make the finals. The Hurricanes handled one playoff loss well, but the question is how will they respond when championship winning veterans and a strong-willed coach behind the bench on the other side constantly pushes back on defense and special teams? This is an older, more disciplined Golden Knights roster that enjoys physical play and making opponents uncomfortable. Carolina finally made it to the finals, but this series will add more valuable lessons for coach Brind’Amour and how the will to win isn’t just about smothering inexperienced teams. It demands constant changes against serious veterans, something the coach found out in his first finals as a player back in the 2001-02 season.

The Hurricanes and Golden Knights will have to earn goals and wins by beating each other up by the boards.

Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 and win their second Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.

Conn Smythe winner: Goaltender Carter Hart

Conference finals picks record: 1-1

2026 NHL Eastern Conference Finals Prediction

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What a round! The two best teams in the east are in the conference finals. On one side, the well designed, balanced and deep Carolina Hurricanes. Led by coach Rod Brind’Amour, captain Jordan Staal and veteran goaltender Frederik Anderson, the Hurricanes are the best and most complete team in the conference. Their opponent is the last team standing in the atlantic division, the Montreal Canadiens. Rookie goaltender Kyle Dobes has been stellar. The young core of captain Nick Suzuki, 50 goal scorer Cole Caufield and phenom defenseman Lane Hudson have stunned viewers. Coach Martin St. Louis is as good a coach as he was a Stanley Cup winning player over 20 years ago. Both squads will have their hands full. Time to break down which team has the best chance to win the eastern conference and advance to the Stanley Cup finals.

#4 Montreal Canadiens v. #1 Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina will swarm Montreal captain Nick Suzuki (C) every game.

Nobody thought Montreal would make it this far. This is easily the more lopsided conference finals matchup. Carolina is the only team to be undefeated in either the NBA or NHL playoffs. The Hurricanes have done everything right while the Canadiens were somehow lucky to advance after two game sevens.

Yes, Montreal swept the regular season series, even winning two of the three games in Carolina. However, this is the playoffs. Commissioner Gary Bettman is known for cramming all the conference finals games together to eliminate the weaker two teams. The Hurricanes have played eight games in 32 days by the time this series starts. If Carolina can’t advance to the finals in five games, there will be serious conversations on coach Brind’Amour’s job security. This is the easiest path to the championship any team could have.

Prediction: Hurricanes win series 4-0

Eastern conference playoff predictions record: 1-3

2026 NHL Western Conference Finals Prediction

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What a fun end to the second round. Colorado had their first true test of the playoffs with a five game series against Minnesota. Jared Bednar’s tinkering of the roster and goaltender usage showed yet again why he is one of the best coaches in the league. The Avalanche stars keep playing better each round. Meanwhile, Vegas looks like the juggernaut many predicted at the beginning of the season. Free agent addition Mitch Marner is playing the best playoff hockey of his career, Carter Hart has stabilized and locked down the number one goaltender position, and the defense has done a great job at shot-blocking under interim coach John Tortorella. Both teams will have their hands full, and many believe whichever team wins this series will win the championship. Time to break down which one has the best shot to win the western conference and advance to the Stanley Cup finals.

#4 Vegas Golden Knights v. #1 Colorado Avalanche

It will be a gritty, grind-it-out series between Vegas and Colorado.

This is a conference final series every hockey fan will love. Both teams have great coaching, deep rosters, can score a lot of goals, and usually play stellar defense. In many ways, one could pick either team to win both this finals and the championship round, and those picks would be believable.

Both teams also mirror each other in their deficiencies. The weakest links for Vegas are the lack of goaltender depth behind starter Carter Hart, and how a lot of the veterans have seen more injuries than usual after blocking shots on net. Colorado’s goaltending issues are similar. Last round, the Avalanche had no idea what they would get from either Scott Wedgewood or Mackenzie Blackwood. Both struggled and were pulled because division rival Minnesota tore through the defense. The Avalanche defensemen have not been as consistent as those of the Knights. Devon Toews and Cale Makar all but disappeared after game one’s 9-6 scoring barrage against the Wild.

Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog has played great this postseason. He will be a determining factor if the Avalanche make it back to the championship round.

There is one surprising factor that will determine which team advances to the next round. Colorado has been mentally sharp in almost all their nine previous games. Say what you will about the Avalanche’s sloppiness from last series, they knew when to dial in and stay committed until the clock hit four zeros. The Golden Knights haven’t been as sharp. Vegas let both of their series go six games each because they mentally checked out for at least one game or let the younger team claw back and take at least one game to overtime. Colorado isn’t the younger, inexperienced Mammoth or Ducks. They could bury the Golden Knights at any hint of hesitation or after a small mistake. That will make it hard for Vegas to outlast Colorado for four wins.

Prediction: Avalanche win the western conference and series 4-2

Western conference playoff predictions record: 2-2

2026 NBA Western Conference Final Prediction

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The remaining two teams in the NBA west had a good second round. San Antonio and Oklahoma City were more committed and better coached than the teams in Minnesota and Los Angeles. While the Thunder are on a roll, there’s a lot of hype on the Spurs because they figured out how to beat the reigning champions multiple times. One of these two teams must advance to the championship round. Time to break down which one has the best chance to represent the west in the finals.

#2 San Antonio Spurs v. #1 Oklahoma City Thunder

Stephon Castle (5) v. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) will be a fun matchup to watch.

Similar to last series with Minnesota and San Antonio, the easy pick between a reigning champion versus an inexperienced playoff team would result in the former winning this round. In fact, history has shown this happening the majority of the time. However, the Spurs are not your average inexperienced playoff team.

If anything, this could be utter domination by San Antonio. Phenom center Victor Wembanyama could be held in check at times by Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert last series. At times. The centers who must face him in the conference finals don’t stand a chance. Wembanyama takes playing against Chet Holmgren personally, and Isaiah Hartenstein can only do so much against the Spurs best player.

It’s possible no one on Oklahoma City’s roster can stop center Victor Wembanyama (1) this round.

If Victor Wembanyama doesn’t dominate each game, then Oklahoma City’s guard depth will have their hands full. Yes, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Jared McCain and Jalen Williams are a great core of players. Yet, San Antonio’s core of Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell and Dylan Harper have put up record numbers throughout these playoffs.

The Thunder have playoff experience on their side and know what it’s like to play this late in the season. While the Spurs will have some struggles for at least two games, they are the better team. Center Victor Wembanyama takes playing against them personally and usually plays his best basketball against Chet Holmgren.

Prediction: Spurs win the western conference and series 4-2

Western conference second round playoff picks record: 2-0

2026 NBA Western Conference Second Round Playoff Predictions

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The first round was fun but didn’t have many surprises or upsets. Los Angeles’ game six rout in Houston avoided a full, seven game series. Oklahoma City swept Phoenix and San Antonio took care of Portland in five games. Two teams in this upcoming round made it to last year’s semi-conference finals. The Thunder and Spurs have great offenses and defenses to make a fun series while the Lakers and Timberwolves will do their best to steal a few games. Two of the remaining four will advance to the conference finals. Time to break down which of the two have the best chance to make round three.

#4 Los Angeles Lakers v. #1 Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City’s depth is too much for Los Angeles to handle.

The easiest series in this conference, if not the whole NBA second round. Oklahoma City beat Los Angeles by an average of 29.3 points per game in their four regular season matchups. Not only is it the worst of any playoff matchup in NBA history, the Lakers might not have star point guard Luka Doncic the entire series. There is no way this series goes more than five games.

Prediction: Thunder win series 4-0

#6 Minnesota Timberwolves v. #2 San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio should have an easier series with the number of injuries Minnesota has. Stars like guard Anthony Edwards will be out for at least one game.

Usually the more inexperienced team in the second round is not favored. That opinion is more accurate against an opponent that has made the conference finals the last two seasons. No. San Antonio is not your average, inexperienced playoff team. Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama and guards Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox were unfazed in their first playoff series.

The decisive factor will not be one-on-one matchups. It will be how healthy Minnesota can stay in this series. The Timberwolves lost guards Anthony Edwards, Ayo Dosunmu and Dante DiVincenzo last round against Denver. Dosunmu will return but likely not at full health. DiVincenzo is out the rest of the season and Edwards should not play the first two games. The lack of guard depth will lead to different matchup problems that already tilts in San Antonio’s favor before game one begins. If Minnesota can’t stop the mounting injuries, the Spurs could make this a fast series.

Prediction: Spurs win series 4-1

Western conference first round playoffs record: 3-1

2026 NBA Eastern Conference Second Round Playoff Predictions

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What a shocking and thrilling first round of basketball!! All four teams that advanced played at least six games and were down at least one game in their series at some point. New York, Detroit, Philadelphia all made franchise and NBA history, from points scored to game seven wins. Now the conference is open for any team to make the finals since none of the four have championship experience. Only two teams will advance to play in the next round, so now it is time to decide which two have the best chance of meeting in the eastern finals.

#7 Philadelphia 76ers v. #3 New York Knicks

Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe (77) will have a hard time stopping Jalen Brunson (11) this series.

New York was fortunate they dominated the poor shooting Hawks in their closing, game six performance. The Knicks were the first team to clinch a second round spot and got more rest than any other eastern conference team.

This will be an interesting series to watch because Philadelphia center Joel Embiid hurt his knee near the end of game seven in Boston. Without Embiid, the 76ers will need a lot more from center Andre Drummond and forwards Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. That will be difficult when the Knicks have better depth at center and forward. Coach Mike Brown played his starters better in the first round and it paid off with New York wearing down Atlanta and sealing the earliest series win. Expect the same this round.

Prediction: Knicks win series 4-2

#4 Cleveland Cavaliers v. #1 Detroit Pistons

Detroit will need more than star point guard Cade Cunningham (with ball) to beat Cleveland.

This one may be the hardest matchup to predict in either conference. Both Cleveland and Detroit went a full seven game series last round. The Cavaliers didn’t win a road game despite having every advantage against Toronto. The Pistons came down from another 3-1 series deficit to beat Orlando, and even then Detroit needed a lot of luck to pull out a critical game six win.

The biggest factor in this series is scoring and defensive depth. Center Jalen Duren struggled every game against the Magic. That’s a big issue for Detroit because Orlando struggled to rebound the ball on both sides of the court. Cleveland’s starting center Jarrett Allen has the edge over the struggling Duren, and other centers Evan Mobley and Larry Nance Jr. present obvious problems for coach J.B. Bickerstaff. The Cavaliers clearly have the upper hand at guard and forward and should take advantage of the differences almost every game. It will be odd to watch the Pistons struggle to clamp down on a deep, veteran offense.

Upset prediction of the second round: Cavaliers win series 4-2

Eastern conference first round playoffs record: 3-1

2026 NBA Western Conference First Round Playoff Predictions

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The 2025-26 NBA regular season ended in anticipation of a thrilling western conference playoff race. MVP front-runner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are again the favorites to make a deep run to the championship while the young Spurs want to prove they can compete and beat the best veteran teams. No one should underestimate the resurgence of Denver or Houston. Oklahoma City remains the team everyone wants out in order to have a fair chance at the finals. Four talented squads will advance to the second round. Time to break down which four have the best chance.

#8 Phoenix Suns v. #1 Oklahoma City Thunder

There will be a lot of pressure on Devin Booker (1) to lead Phoenix against the reigning NBA champion Thunder.

Even if Jordan Ott doesn’t win coach of the year, he will be heavily considered. Nobody expected Phoenix to make the playoffs after a massive roster overhaul less than a year ago. Despite the changes, the Suns physical play on both ends of the court makes them a threat.

However, Phoenix drew the reigning NBA champion Thunder. Oklahoma City has the deepest roster of any playoff team and will pick apart whatever the Suns throw at them.

Prediction: Thunder win series 4-0

#7 Portland Trailblazers v. #2 San Antonio Spurs

Portland faces an uphill battle against the deep, talented Spurs.

If San Antonio had to face the winner of Golden State v. Los Angeles and not Portland v. Phoenix (which was the former), that would be a more interesting series. The Spurs return to the playoffs means a lot of the star-studded talent will face growing pains and make a lot of unusual mistakes they wouldn’t make in the regular season.

San Antonio is lucky they get the Trailblazers. Like the Spurs, Portland hasn’t made the postseason in a long time. Despite a few veterans on each team, this series should heavily favor the San Antonio because of how both teams mirror playoff inexperience with each other and how the Spurs have a deeper, more talented team. This should be a fast series.

Prediction: Spurs win series 4-1

#6 Minnesota Timberwolves v. #3 Denver Nuggets

Center Nikola Jokic makes Minnesota’s defense look silly when they played this season.

Talk about a tilt in rivalry. If this matchup took place three years ago, Minnesota would have had the edge with how their bigs could smother Denver’s star players. After some roster tweaks the last few years, the Timberwolves don’t have that advantage. It will cost them in this round.

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic should have one of the best series of his life versus Minnesota center Rudy Gobert. Despite a 12 game winning streak, coach David Adelman made sure to limit the minutes of star point guard Jamal Murray and forward Aaron Gordon. Having both at full health is important to counter Minnesota forward Julius Randle and the guard duo of Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards.

The Timberwolves have been a streaky team most of the year bogged down by a terrible free throw percentage and turnover issues. Denver is a veteran championship team that knows how to do the little things well and not give their opponents chances to attempt many comebacks. This could be a fast series.

Prediction: Nuggets win series 4-1

#5 Houston Rockets v. #4 Los Angeles Lakers

Houston’s Kevin Durant (left) and Los Angeles’ Luka Doncic (right) shared a Christmas day moment in an eye-opening Rockets win.

On paper, this should be one of the best first round series in either conference. In reality, it’s all Lakers. Los Angeles dominated the regular season series against Houston no matter who played. More importantly, the Rockets younger core struggled against a swarming Lakers defense in the last two matchups. Poor shooting combined with the return of Los Angeles star point guard Luka Doncic makes this a less than ideal matchup for Houston.

A sliver of hope for coach Ime Udoka’s roster lies in one Laker missing the first round. Austin Reaves will be out as his grade two oblique muscle strain has not fully healed. That means Los Angeles has to rely more on scoring inside the three point line and playing a more physical style than they’re used to. That still favors them since the younger Rockets are not used to this style and played poorly against whatever the Lakers used against them most of the season. At least Houston can steal a game or two more than many expected with the loss of Reaves.

Prediction: Lakers win series 4-1

Regular season western conference playoffs and play-in predictions record: 6-4

2026 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Playoff Predictions

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The east was the last conference to seal both playoff and play-in spots. Eight spots were determined the final game of the regular season. Atlanta and Toronto are young teams that exceeded expectations and will use this postseason to learn how to improve for future playoff appearances. Cleveland and Detroit hope to take the next step forward and make a deep playoff run. Boston and New York are considered the top teams in the east and favorites to make the conference finals. Expectations aside, four talented and competitive teams must advance to the second round. Time to break down which four have the best chance.

#5 Toronto Raptors v. #4 Cleveland Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell (45) should have a career series against the younger, inexperienced Raptors

Toronto should get a round of applause for how well they did this season. I don’t think anyone had them as a top six team in the eastern conference. Their reward is the 52 win Cavaliers who had a league high 41 different starting lineups.

Cleveland is the better team in every facet. From touting the better offense and defense to having more experience and long-time veteran stars, it would be shocking if the Cavaliers were bounced out of the first round.

Prediction: Cavaliers win series 4-1

#8 Orlando Magic v. #1 Detroit Pistons

Orlando will go as far as star forward Paolo Banchero (5) can take them.

Orlando’s inconsistency makes one wonder how much Detroit will be pushed in this series. Star point-guard Cade Cunningham won’t have a minutes restriction since he returned from a collapsed lung, but the rest of the Pistons roster plays well even if he needs rest. The Magic aren’t a good rebounding team and still face serious questions on what their identity is outside of star players Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane. Detroit is better coached and more disciplined.

Prediction: Pistons win series 4-1

#7 Philadelphia 76ers v. #2 Boston Celtics

Depth players like center Neemias Queta (88) will be key for Boston to get past Philadelphia.

One of the most underrated first round series. Philadelphia doesn’t have the depth Boston does, but they play hard and split the regular season series. While center Joel Embiid’s health depends on how far this series goes, the 76ers have a solid starting core around point-guard Tyrese Maxey. Forwards Paul George and Emoni Bates, center Andre Drummond and guards Cameron Payne and VJ Edgecombe will make this a longer series than most anticipate.

Regardless of Philadelphia’s talent, Boston’s the superior team and star forward Jayson Tatum is back at full health. The Celtics championship mentality means they will go all-out in almost every round compared to the hot-and-cold 76ers.

Prediction: Celtics win series 4-2

#6 Atlanta Hawks v. #3 New York Knicks

Dyson Daniels (5) versus Jalen Brunson (11) will be a great one-on-one matchup.

This is the best first round series in either conference. Atlanta was red-hot the last two months of the season after trading star point guard Trae Young to Washington D.C. Since his hiring, coach Quin Snyder finally has the Hawks all in-sync with each other and playing their best basketball. Forwards Jalen Johnson and Jonathan Kuminga have elevated Atlanta’s ceiling and their style of play. Guards C.J. McCollum and Dyson Daniels can do almost everything on both sides of the court.

New York is out of their lull and are the favorite to make conference finals. Had the Knicks drawn Toronto in round one, they would easily make round two given the number of stars and veterans on the team. However, the Hawks have played them well the last four years and get under New York’s collective skin.

One thing the Knicks did well was bulk up the roster with more scoring depth. The trade for point-guard Jose Alvarado gives New York more scoring opportunities when Jalen Brunson needs rest. Jordan Clarkson, Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet are quality depth players that give the Knicks the edge to win what should be a long series.

Prediction: Knicks win series 4-3

Regular season eastern conference playoffs and play-in predictions record: 6-4