The 2026 NBA postseason is officially underway. The final week of regular-season play concluded on April 12 as all 30 teams wrapped up their 82-game campaign. Some top seeds solidified their dominance, while others focused on the May 10 draft lottery.
Following the play-in tournament, 16 teams remain to battle for the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June. NBA insiders have analysed all 20 postseason teams, including their first-round and play-in matchups, highlighting key questions and players to watch throughout the run to the 2026 Finals.
Pistons Face Magic in Round 1
The Detroit Pistons had one of their best seasons. Their success was driven by defence, intensity and physicality. However, questions remain whether the East’s top seed can generate enough offense to reach its first Finals since 2005. Cade Cunningham has fulfilled his potential as the 2021 No. 1 draft pick, but the options behind him are largely unproven. The Orlando Magic, after claiming the last spot in the playoffs, will test the Pistons.
Cunningham’s Health a Key Factor
A big question for the postseason is Cunningham’s health. The Pistons maintained their form near the end of the regular season without their star player. Cunningham played two games, but the chances of a deep playoff run depend on his recovery from a collapsed lung. Despite not meeting the 65-game threshold, Cunningham was considered one of the league’s best players this season and was on track for All-NBA selection. Detroit requires Cunningham at his best.
Cunningham is the player who can swing the first round. If the Pistons were without their best player, they would drop only to fourth. Cunningham returned from a collapsed lung last Wednesday in a game against a tanking team and played well. However, the real test will come when the Pistons face a team in lockdown defense mode. In those situations, Cunningham must avoid forcing things and maintain his defensive effort.
What Would Make This Postseason a Success for Detroit?
Reaching the second round would make this a successful postseason for the Pistons. While a conference finals appearance might seem like the minimum goal, it’s worth remembering that this team is only two seasons removed from a 14-win campaign.
In 2024, the Thunder tied for the best record in the West with 57 wins only to get knocked out by the Mavericks in the conference semi.