Shocking NBA Playoff Bracket Reveal: Which 2026 Team Is Set to Dominate After April 26?

The 2026 NBA playoffs delivered an exciting day of action this past Sunday, featuring four first-round games that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Highlights included the Toronto Raptors narrowly edging out the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Los Angeles Lakers faced unexpected challenges against the Houston Rockets.

The Raptors continued to fight hard in their series against the Cavaliers, winning 93-89 and tying the series at 2-2. This game was characterized by a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to shoot above 40 percent from the field. At halftime, the Raptors led by a slim margin of 38-36, reflecting the low-scoring nature of the game. The Cavaliers initially surged ahead in the third quarter, even establishing an eight-point lead with five minutes left in the fourth. However, the Raptors closed strong, finishing the game with a 17-5 run that left them in a favorable position heading into Game 5 in Cleveland on Wednesday. Key contributors for Toronto included Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, each scoring 23 points.

In other action, the San Antonio Spurs demonstrated resilience by overcoming a 17-point halftime deficit to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 114-93. This impressive comeback saw the Spurs outscore their opponents 73-35 in the second half, marking the largest playoff victory for a team that trailed by 15 or more points at halftime. Victor Wembanyama, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, returned to form after missing Game 3 due to a concussion, contributing 27 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, four steals, and a remarkable seven blocks. Veteran point guard De'Aaron Fox also stepped up, scoring 28 points and adding seven assists. The Spurs now lead the series 3-1 and will look to close it out in Game 5 in San Antonio on Tuesday.

The Boston Celtics further solidified their playoff run with a commanding 128-96 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, taking a 3-1 lead in the series. Payton Pritchard was the standout performer, scoring 32 points and dishing out five assists off the bench. The Celtics demonstrated their dominance with a remarkable shooting performance, hitting 24-of-53 from beyond the arc, which translates to an impressive 45 percent. They also out-rebounded the Sixers by a considerable margin of 51-30, including a 14-6 advantage on the offensive boards. The series now shifts back to Boston, with Game 5 scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

In the nightcap, the Houston Rockets managed to thwart a Lakers series sweep, winning decisively 115-96. The Rockets capitalized on their depth, with all five starters scoring in double digits, despite being without star Kevin Durant. A pivotal moment came in the third quarter when DeAndre Ayton was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul, which contributed to the Lakers’ struggles. The Lakers struggled with ball control, committing 23 turnovers, including eight from LeBron James, who had a rough outing with just 10 points on 2-of-9 shooting from the field. The series now shifts back to Los Angeles for Game 5 on Wednesday night.

Overall, Sunday’s playoff games showcased the resilience and determination of multiple teams, setting the stage for an electrifying week ahead. Fans can look forward to more high-stakes action as these playoff matchups heat up, with each team vying for a coveted spot in the next round.