Cade Cunningham throws down a big slam vs. the Magic (0:25)Cade Cunningham takes it himself and throws down a big slam for the Pistons. (0:25)
NBA InsidersMultiple AuthorsMay 3, 2026, 06:14 PM ET
(1) Detroit Pistons eliminate (8) Orlando Magic 4-3
(7) Philadelphia 76ers eliminate (2) Boston Celtics 4-3
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers tied with (5) Toronto Raptors 3-3
(3) New York Knicks eliminate (6) Atlanta Hawks 4-2
The 2026 playoffs are underway, and our NBA insiders have you covered for every game in the march to the Finals. Which top seeds are cruising and which could be in danger of a first-round upset? Which stars are shining and which players are breaking through on the playoff stage?
As the Eastern Conference playoffs continue, here’s what matters most and what to watch in all four series.
Biggest takeaway from Game 7: If there was anything that lingered from their epic Game 6 meltdown, the Orlando Magic didn’t show it in the first quarter and a half. Paolo Banchero played like a man determined not to let his season end. He scored Orlando’s first 11 points, had 23 by the half and finished with 38 points.
But the Magic didn’t give their star much help on offense. And Detroit took advantage, going on a 26-6 run from the final three minutes of the second quarter to nearly midway through the third quarter. The Pistons ultimately eliminated Orlando in a 116-94 Game 7 win.
This was a massive learning experience for Detroit’s young core. Cade Cunningham, who finished with 32 points, learned how to solve one of the best and most physical defenses in the league. Tobias Harris provided much-needed offense with 30 points to help win Game 7. Jalen Duren didn’t have a series reflective of his All-Star season, but the big man now gets a chance to show his worth in the second round.
More than anything, the Pistons saw their resolve pushed to the brink but not broken. They’ll enter the second round with more confidence having won three straight games but also knowing they have yet to play their best and most dominant basketball for an entire game. — Ohm Youngmisuk
Biggest takeaway from Game 7: Saturday was finally the day for Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. This was exactly the kind of game that Philadelphia has lost so many times — especially to this opponent, who had beaten the 76ers in six straight postseason series over the past 44 years, including three years ago in another Game 7 in Boston. But Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, who became the first duo in NBA history to each have at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a Game 7, made just enough plays to allow the 76ers to escape.
Biggest takeaway from Game 6: There’s no point in beating down the Hawks when you can wait for them to not show up. That’s what the Knicks did, crushing Atlanta’s spirit with three consecutive blowouts in Games 4-6. Thursday’s clincher featured the most physical defense the Knicks have played this series as they readied themselves for the next round, which could be a rematch with the Boston Celtics. It was a 51-point spread after a parade of Hawks turnovers, with OG Anunoby continuing his torrid play. He outscored Atlanta by himself at one point in the first half. Karl-Anthony Towns had yet another triple-double. The Knicks’ past three games have at least shown they’re ready for the next challenge and the second round. — Vincent Goodwill
Cade Cunningham throws down a big slam vs. the Magic (0:25)Cade Cunningham takes it himself and throws down a big slam for the Pistons. (0:25)
More coverage: West takeaways | Schedules and results | Offseason guides
Round 2 opponent: Winner of Cleveland Cavaliers/Toronto Raptors series
For Boston, meanwhile, it’s a remarkable change in fortunes for a team that was ticketed for the conference semifinals after routing Philadelphia in Game 4. But after Embiid’s dominance inside changed the series over the last three games — and Jayson Tatum was forced to sit out Game 7 with left knee stiffness — it will be a big summer for Boston to try to get creative and find a way to improve its talent level and take another crack at a deep playoff run. — Tim Bontemps
Round 2 opponent: Winner of Celtics-76ers series (Celtics lead 3-2)
Cade Cunningham takes it himself and throws down a big slam for the Pistons. (0:25)