NBA Playoffs 2026: Spurs and Thunder Advance as Six Teams Await Decisive Games
Institutional shifts in the Western Conference contrast with Eastern Conference volatility as the Play-In Tournament concludes and the field narrows to 16 teams.
The 2026 NBA playoffs have officially entered the second round following the conclusion of the Play-In Tournament, which reduced the postseason field from 20 to 16 teams. The San Antonio Spurs became the second team to advance to the second round after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5, joining the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference bracket.
The Thunder secured their advancement by sweeping the eighth-seeded Phoenix Suns, while the Spurs' victory ensures they will face either the Denver Nuggets or the Minnesota Timberwolves in the next stage. In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons survived a Game 5 defeat to the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic, keeping their series alive despite the loss.
Series momentum remains precarious for several franchises, with six teams remaining one win away from advancing. The Cleveland Cavaliers took a 3-2 series lead over the Toronto Raptors following a hard-fought 125-120 home victory in Game 5. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks blew out the Atlanta Hawks 126-97 to take a 3-2 series lead, while the Timberwolves missed a chance to advance after losing Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets.
In another Eastern Conference upset, the Philadelphia 76ers kept their season alive with an 113-97 victory over the Boston Celtics at home. The Celtics had an opportunity to advance Tuesday at home, but the result leaves the 76ers in contention. Earlier in the week, Cade Cunningham scored 45 points for the Magic in their Game 5 loss to the Pistons, highlighting the intensity of the series.
Teams eliminated in the Play-In included the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets, and Golden State Warriors. The teams that successfully made the playoff field alongside the Spurs, Thunder, and others include the 76ers, Magic, Trail Blazers, and Suns. Games on ABC and ESPN are noted to be streaming on fubo.
