5 first-round bold predictions for the 2026 NBA playoffs

The playoffs are where expectations meet reality, and where chaos usually wins. As the 2026 NBA postseason tips off, every team enters with a path to the Finals on paper. But history tells us that the first round rarely follows the script. Upsets happen, stars emerge, and narratives shift fast. So instead of playing it safe, let’s lean into the unpredictability. Here are five bold predictions that could define the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs now that the field is set.

MORE: Pressure mounts on Knicks to win NBA playoffs first-round matchup

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It’s a KAT Attack

Mar 3, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts after making a basket against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The New York Knicks offense runs through Jalen Brunson. He is their best and most consistent player, along with being their leader. But it’s not going to be easy for him against Dyson Daniels and the speedy Atlanta Hawks.

That’s not to say Brunson isn’t going to have a good series, but Karl-Anthony Towns will lead the Knicks offense. For as fast and athletic as the Hawks may be, they don’t have the size and strength to go along with it. Towns had success against Atlanta in the regular season, and now that he’s truly found his groove within the Knicks’ offense, look for him to go nuts this round.

LeBron James Has 3 Triple Doubles

With no Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves, it’s all about LeBron James to begin the postseason. It’s not going to be easy for James and the Los Angeles Lakers against the Houston Rockets, but we know he’s going to give it his best effort. After all, a down season for James was seeing him average 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game this year.

We know that James can rise to the occasion, and he certainly has to here. This isn’t the way he’s going to want to go out, so look for him to be heavily involved and have three triple-doubles.

VJ Edgecombe Averages 25 Points per Game

Apr 15, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) reacts after guard Vj Edgecombe (77) scores against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter of a play-in round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Joel Embiid is injured. The Philadelphia 76ers begin the postseason without Embiid, and that means the focus is on their backcourt. It’s an easy matchup against the Boston Celtics, and I’d expect them to focus on shutting down Tyrese Maxey. That’s not to say he won’t have success, but it will open things up for VJ Edgecombe.

In a strong rookie season, Edgecombe averaged 16 points per game, but that jumped to 20.6 in his last 11 games. Based on game context, I’m looking for that number to rise even more in the first round of the NBA playoffs, as the 76ers will likely be trailing as well.

Daniss Jenkins Averages 15 Points per Game

Yes, Cade Cunningham is healthy and returned before the end of the regular season. This is the NBA playoffs, so the urgency is also there. However, it’s also the first round of what should be a long postseason journey for the Detroit Pistons.

Over a 10-game stretch when Cunningham was sidelined, Daniss Jenkins averaged 19.9 points per game, so we know he’s capable. The Pistons will be heavily favored in round one, so look for them to manage Cunningham’s workload where possible. That will open up more opportunities for Jenkins, who could be one of the best bench players of the postseason.

Neemias Queta Averages 15 and 10

Apr 5, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) reacts to dunking the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Credit is due to Neemias Queta as he’s seemingly taken the center role for the Boston Celtics and run with it. In 25 minutes per game during the regular season, Queta averaged 10.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. The 76ers won’t have Joel Embiid available against Queta and the Celtics, and I’d expect Boston to lean even more heavily on Queta in what should be a relatively stress-free first-round series. 

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