NBA playoff predictions, picks for Lakers vs. Thunder, Cavaliers vs. Pistons

The second spherical of 2026 NBA playoffs received underway Monday when the New York Knicks demolished the Philadelphia 76ers and the Minnesota Timberwolves shocked the San Antonio Spurs with a slim street victory. The different two sequence, that includes the No. 1 seeds in every convention, will start on Tuesday.

First, the Detroit Pistons will host the Cleveland Cavaliersand later the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Los Angeles Lakers. Ahead of Tuesday evening’s motion, let’s take a better have a look at every recreation and make some predictions.

NBA video games immediately: May 5 playoff schedule

Odds by way of FanDuelall instances ET

• Game 1: Cleveland Cavaliers at Detroit Pistons (-3.5), 7 pm — Peacock
• Game 1: Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder (-15.5), 8:30 pm — Peacock

Pistons vs. Cavaliers Game 1 prediction

Neither the Pistons nor the Cavaliers had been significantly spectacular within the first spherical. Detroit needed to pull off a 3-1 comeback to flee the Orlando Magicwhereas Cleveland practically blew a 2-0 sequence result in the Toronto Raptors and likewise wanted to win Game 7 at residence.

As they put together to satisfy within the second spherical, it is fascinating that the Pistons will face a very totally different problem (Cleveland’s offense is considerably higher than Orlando’s, however the Magic had been higher defensively and way more bodily), whereas the Cavaliers will face an identical problem (an especially powerful, athletic and defensive-minded staff that may battle to attain).

The Cavaliers are a greater and extra proficient staff than the Magic, however in some methods this can be an “easier” sequence for the Pistons — a minimum of from a physicality standpoint. The Pistons will not wish to drop Game 1 at residence as they did within the Orlando sequence, and the Cavs did not win a street recreation within the first spherical. Pick: Pistons -3.5

Thunder vs. Lakers Game 1 prediction

As anticipated, the Thunder cruised previous the Phoenix Suns within the first spherical, finishing their third consecutive first-round sweep with a median margin of victory of 17.3 factors. The Lakers, in the meantime, jumped out to a shock 3-0 lead on the Houston Rockets and ultimately closed out the sequence in six video games to advance to the second spherical for the primary time since 2023.

Unfortunately, this sequence, like so many others within the playoffs over the previous couple of years, might be marred by harm. Jalen Williams won’t play in Game 1 because of a hamstring pressure, and doesn’t have an official timeline. And whereas the Lakers received Austin Reaves again from an indirect harm late within the first spherical, they continue to be with out Luka Dončić because of his personal hamstring pressure. As of Sunday, Dončić had not even resumed working, however ESPNand it is nonetheless unclear when, or if, he’ll be capable of play this postseason.

Everyone would decide the Thunder on this sequence and on this recreation. They’re the higher staff and have a far higher means to resist Williams’ absence than the Lakers do to resist Dončić’s absence. But can OKC cowl a large 15.5-point unfold? That is an absurd line for a playoff recreation, they usually solely did so as soon as within the first spherical towards the Suns. Pick: Lakers +15.5