The 2026 NBA playoffs tipped off Saturday, April 17, with the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder the heavy favorite to repeat. The experts at Sports Illustrated like the Nuggets and Celtics better Just more than half of the league’s

Max Strus led the Cavs on that late surge on his way to posting 24 points in 24 minutes off the bench. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 32 points, making him the first player in NBA history to record at least 30 points in nine straight Game 1s. James Harden added another 22 points and 10 assists.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the league are facing backlash over their broadcast decisions for the playoffs.

The NBA postseason is underway, and the full schedule for the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs is set. The playoffs tip off this Saturday (April 18) and the first round, with eight best-of-seven series, could run through May 3. The NBA announced the full schedule for the first round late on Tuesday night.

The Cavaliers and Raptors battle in Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series. Live updates, highlights, stats and analysis will be here.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell goes to the basket against the Toronto Raptors during the second half in Game 1 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series, Saturday, April 18, 2026, In Cleveland.

Here's what has stood out from the latest playoff games of the Western Conference's first round.

Mullins was projected as a first-round NBA Draft selection this year, but could play his way into the lottery with a strong sophomore campaign.