The 2026 NBA playoffs reached the second round with eight teams remaining: the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference; San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference [1].
The second-round games are set to begin Monday night, May 6 [1]. Joel Embiid of the 76ers was seen hobbling late in Game 7 against the Boston Celtics on May 4, raising concerns about his health for the upcoming series [1]. Analysts say his fitness could greatly impact the 76ers’ chances.
"This assumes a healthy enough Joel Embiid for the duration, which is a dangerous, if not outright irresponsible assumption," said Botkin [1]. Herbert agreed, calling the series "a coin flip" and citing Embiid’s injury as a major factor. He favored the 76ers in six games if Embiid recovers fully [1].
Conversely, Gonzalez, Maloney, and Quinn predict the Knicks will advance. Gonzalez noted, "The Knicks were the better team at both ends of the floor this season," but raised the question of how Embiid’s health and 76ers star Paul George’s missed 25 games due to suspension might affect the series [1]. Maloney added, "If Joel Embiid and Paul George are going to play like they did in the Celtics series, the Sixers’ entire outlook changes" [1].
The Knicks’ momentum from finishing strong against the Atlanta Hawks and Embiid’s questionable condition have intensified debates on the likely winner [1]. Predictions vary with Botkin and Herbert backing the 76ers to win (Botkin in seven games, Herbert in six), while Gonzalez, Maloney, and Quinn see the Knicks winning (in six or seven games) [1].
The Pistons-Cavaliers, Spurs-Timberwolves, and Thunder-Lakers series will run in parallel, completing the second-round bracket. The NBA resumes play Monday with these high-stakes matchups opening the next playoff stage [1].
