The 2026 NBA Playoffs have reached the Conference Semifinals, and after a dramatic first round that saw historic comebacks, devastating injuries, and record-breaking performances, eight teams remain in the hunt for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. The first round delivered the most-watched games in 33 years, with the 76ers-Celtics Game 7 averaging 11 million viewers. Here's what to watch as the second round heats up.

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (4) Cleveland Cavaliers

Series: Pistons lead 1-0
Next Game: Game 2, Thursday, May 7, 7:00 PM ET

Detroit asserted itself in the series opener, turning back Cleveland 111-101 behind rebounding, defense and 3-point shooting. Cade Cunningham scored 23 points and led a balanced offense for the Pistons, who are looking to open a 2-0 series lead at home. The Pistons had a first-round scare against Orlando, falling behind 3-1 before rallying to win in seven games. That comeback should serve as motivation. Cleveland will look to clean things up on both sides of the ball after struggling in Game 1. The Cavaliers survived their own seven-game war with Toronto. Detroit will need more from Jalen Duren if they want to contain Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, Cleveland's productive big men.

(3) New York Knicks vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers

Series: Knicks lead 2-0
Next Game: Game 3, Friday, May 8, 7:00 PM ET

The Knicks are rolling. In a game featuring 25 lead changes, New York leaned on a late 9-0 run to repel Philadelphia 108-102 in Game 2, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead. The Knicks have now won four straight blowout games dating back to their first-round destruction of Atlanta, with each game essentially over before halftime. Jalen Brunson has been masterful leading the balanced offense, while Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby have smothered Philadelphia's shooters. Joel Embiid returned from appendicitis for the playoffs but is now set to miss games again. The 76ers—who staged a historic 3-1 comeback against Boston in the first round—are struggling to find offensive rhythm. Philadelphia will have to shoot much better than the 41% field goal percentage and 37% from three that doomed them in Game 2. The series shifts to Philly for Game 3, where the Sixers must defend home court to stay alive.

WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (4) Los Angeles Lakers

Series: Thunder lead 1-0
Next Game: Game 2, Thursday, May 7, 9:30 PM ET

The defending champions look unstoppable. Chet Holmgren delivered an all-around performance with 24 points, and OKC's depth proved too much for the Lakers in a 108-90 Game 1 victory. The Thunder swept Phoenix in the first round and remain undefeated in these playoffs. The Lakers understand their playoff dilemma: they need to be near their best to win, and the defending champion Thunder do not. L.A. is still without Luka Dončić (hamstring), though Austin Reaves returned late in the first round. LeBron James (23.2 PPG in the playoffs) is doing everything he can at age 41, but the Lakers need more consistency from their role players. Game 2 is crucial—falling into an 0-2 hole against this Thunder team could spell the end of the Lakers' season.

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves

Series: Series tied 1-1
Next Game: Game 3, Friday, May 8, 9:30 PM ET

This series has been epic. In Game 1, the Timberwolves stole a win in San Antonio 104-102 despite a record-breaking performance by Victor Wembanyama, who set the NBA single-game playoff blocks record with 12 rejections (even though it appeared he got away with a considerable amount of goal tends and fouls). Minnesota's Anthony Edwards returned from a left knee injury (bone bruise and hyperextension suffered in the first round against Denver) and scored 18 points off the bench in limited minutes. "I'm back, boy! I'm back!" Edwards shouted after drilling a step-back jumper in the first quarter.

But San Antonio responded emphatically in Game 2. The Spurs showed intensity and resiliency from the opening tip to overwhelm Minnesota with a 133-95 home victory, evening the series at 1-1. De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama led the balanced attack. The Timberwolves are still without Donte DiVincenzo (season-ending torn Achilles) and lost Ayo Dosunmu to injury in the first round as well. Edwards' minutes and usage should only rise from here as he works his way back to full form—a scary proposition for San Antonio. The series shifts to Minneapolis for Game 3, where Minnesota desperately needs to protect home court.

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