The 2026 NBA postseason is officially underway. Following the conclusion of the regular season on April 12, all 30 teams completed their 82-game campaign, setting the stage for the playoffs. After the play-in tournament, 16 teams remain in contention for the title.
Our NBA insiders have analysed the remaining teams, focusing on their first-round and play-in matchups, the biggest questions surrounding each team, and the key players to watch during their respective runs to the NBA Finals.
Pistons’ Playoff Outlook and Cunningham’s Condition
One of the best seasons in franchise history was powered by defense, intensity and physicality. But will the East’s top seed generate enough offense to reach its first Finals since 2005? Cade Cunningham has realised his potential as the 2021 No. 1 draft pick, but the options behind him are largely unproven.
The Magic, after dominating the Hornets to claim the last spot in the playoffs, will test the Pistons to keep up on the scoreboard.
Cunningham’s Health: A Deciding Factor
A big question for the postseason: Is Cunningham fully healthy? The Pistons wrapped up the best record in the conference without their star player. Cunningham shook off some rust with two games last week, but the chances of a deep playoff run hinge on how he bounces back from a collapsed lung.
Despite falling short of the 65-game threshold, Cunningham was one of the best players in the league this season and looked like a lock for All-NBA. Detroit needs Cunningham at that level.
Cunningham’s Role in the First Round
I looked at how much teams would fall if they were without their best player, and the Pistons would drop only to fourth. But a top player returning after injury has a chance of clunkiness. The Pistons got Cunningham back from a collapsed lung last Wednesday in a game against a tanking team, and he played well.
But tankers won’t be the test. When the Pistons face a team in lockdown defense mode, that’s when Cunningham must avoid forcing things and keep defending on the other end.
What Constitutes a Successful Postseason for Detroit?
They will consider this a successful postseason if they reach the second round. It would seem as if a conference finals appearance would be the minimum goal, but it’s important to note that this team is just two seasons removed from a disastrous 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.