2026 Playoffs Begin — Thunder's 64 Wins, Celtics' Dominance Lead Contenders

The 2026 NBA playoffs are officially underway as the top 16 teams in basketball begin their journeys toward the championship. The Oklahoma City Thunder enter as the Western Conference's commanding force, having won 64 games during the regular season — a stunning turnaround that signals the emergence of a new dynasty.

In the East, the Boston Celtics remain the favorite despite not securing the 1-seed. Their 56-26 record still represents one of the league's most convincing campaigns, and their roster depth gives them multiple paths to victory. From Jokic and the Nuggets to Wembanyama and the Spurs to the always-dangerous Lakers and Rockets in the West, and from Tatum's Celtics to the rising Pistons and Knicks in the East, the talent level is stacked. Sixteen teams. Eight series. One crown. Let's go.