The staff at The Ringer recently shared their controversial playoff takes, Finals predictions, favorite first-round series, and more

by THE RINGER STAFF | April 17, 2026 | @ringer
If you’ve been patiently waiting for months to watch two opposing NBA teams actually try to win on the same night, well, we’ve got some life-altering news for you: The 2026 NBA playoffs are finally here—and they’re spectacular.
The questions are as refreshing as they are intriguing: Will the Oklahoma City Thunder repeat? Can Jayson Tatum pull off an all-time comeback? Are the Denver Nuggets or San Antonio Spurs lurking in plain sight?
Is the East as wide-open as we thought? Can LeBron James and Kevin Durant turn back the clock? And which role player will become a playoff folk hero?
In honor of the postseason’s arrival, The Ringer paneled its NBA staff to dish their favorite first-round series, Finals picks, and more playoff predictions. Let’s dive in …Read More HERE

