It is that point of the yr when basketball video games really feel further significant, however this postseason stands out as the most anticipated in years. The common season produced essentially the most 50-win groups since 2014-15 and the most 60-win teams since 2008-09 — markers of official parity.
Each fan base has a motive to be excited, even these of youthful groups that are not anticipated to contend simply but. Right here, we rank the ten greatest storylines to observe.
Two icons chase ultimate shot at glory
LeBron James and Stephen Curry might be 41 and 38, respectively, when the 2026 playoffs start. This postseason presents them with their final, greatest likelihood to pursue a fifth NBA championship, contemplating that the youthful Thunder and Rockets are constructed to contend for years, and Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs are coming. It is now or by no means for Curry and ‘Bron.
Milwaukee’s final audition to maintain Giannis?
A loss to the Pacers would mark their third consecutive first-round exit. It could be a travesty if Giannis Antetokounmpo have been to go dwelling in April once more, on condition that he is in the course of a historic three-year stretch. As loyal because the “Greek Freak” has been, his persistence should be carrying skinny, and no person will blame him if he have been to hunt greener pastures.
Boston can snap a seven-year pattern
The NBA has not witnessed repeat champions for the reason that Warriors in 2017 and 2018. The Celtics are in a first-rate place to snap the pattern. They rounded into peak kind within the second half of the season, going 22-5 after the All-Star break. They’re healthy and personal the second-best road record ever, which means they might welcome a Recreation 7 in Cleveland.
The Kevin Durant sweepstakes
Kevin Durant will not be seen within the playoffs, however his subsequent staff could possibly be. Widely anticipated to be traded this summer time, Durant could also be taking note of groups he might envision himself in. On the flipside, groups that fall quick might concede they’re “a Kevin Durant away” from profitable all of it. Durant and the Suns will reportedly work together on discovering his subsequent dwelling.
If OKC falters, the NBA’s integrity suffers
If the Thunder pull a 2007 Mavericks or a 2015 Hawks, the material of the common season might be destroyed. Mark Daigneault’s males shattered records en path to 68 wins, together with the very best factors differential mark that stood for 50 years. In the event that they flop, followers and analysts alike will put even much less inventory into the common season, not an excellent endorsement for the NBA.
Can ‘The Klaw’ survive a playoff run?
Kawhi Leonard limped out of the primary around the final two years attributable to accidents. Coming into the 2024-25 season, he was ranked the 22nd-best player by ESPN. He is regarded like a top-five participant for the reason that begin of March, producing at an elite degree on each ends of the ground. A wholesome Leonard has made the Clippers essentially the most harmful staff getting into the playoffs.
Thibs and Knicks on the clock
If the Knicks undergo a first-round loss to the Pistons, Tom Thibodeau’s five-year tenure as head coach is in jeopardy. Even a second-round loss will not be considered as a hit after the blockbuster trades they made final summer time. Given how proactive the Knicks entrance workplace has been in recent times, it should not come as a shock in the event that they overhaul the roster once more.
Luka vs. Nico: Half One
Mavericks GM Nico Harrison is convinced Luka Doncic lacks the defensive chops to guide a staff to a title. If the Lakers’ star proves him flawed, the Mavericks fan base’s worst nightmare will come true. They’re already going through it, however watching Doncic, their former favourite son, win a title with one other staff, could be the final word intestine punch.
Unhealthy Boy Pistons 3.0 are right here
The Pistons return to the playoffs after six years. The Unhealthy Boy Pistons of the Eighties, in addition to the Ben Wallace-led iteration of the 2000s, could be happy with their successors, who exude the same ardour for protection and have constructed their identification on grit. Win or lose, the world will get a glimpse of a staff poised to be a mainstay for years, a lot in order that Draymond Inexperienced has predicted Cade Cunningham will bring them a title imminently.
The following ‘Face of the NBA’ might be topped
Some felt Jayson Tatum settled this debate final yr when he gained the title, however the Celtics star can’t seem to win over everybody. Tatum might grow to be simple with one other ring, however Anthony Edwards, Doncic and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander are all poised to battle for the throne. Doncic’s star might shine the brightest attributable to his purple and gold colours.
