The 2026 NBA playoffs continue with a quadruple-header featuring two Game 3s and two Game 4s. No teams can be eliminated in these contests, but depending on how some of the results go, some teams could be pushed to the brink.
Timberwolves’ Defensive Intensity
The series between the Timberwolves and Nuggets completely flipped in the fourth quarter of Game 2, when the Timberwolves shut down Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray to steal that game and even the series. Minnesota carried the confidence from that win, and their defensive intensity, into Game 3, which they dominated to take a 2-1 lead.
Gordon’s Injury Impact
Aaron Gordon’s absence in Game 3 due to a calf injury was a major blow to the Nuggets on both sides of the ball, and he remains questionable. Considering Gordon’s status, this game being in Minneapolis, and what we’ve seen in the last five quarters, it’s actually a bit surprising that the Nuggets are the favorites.
Jokić’s Challenge
It’s hard to doubt Jokić, but he hasn’t looked like himself in this series because of Rudy Gobert’s excellent play. The Nuggets and Timberwolves face off, with the Timberwolves currently leading the series.
Knicks’ Must-Win Situation
Game 4 is essentially a must-win for the Knicks, who were hoping to contend for a title this season and have mortgaged the majority of their future to build this team. They are more talented, but are they the more cohesive and motivated team? We’ll find out. A gut-check game like this is far more about desire and belief than strategy.
Pistons vs. Magic
After a frustrating defeat in Game 1, the Pistons looked like the No. 1 seed in Game 2. They completely shut down the Magic’s offense, Cade Cunningham got some help from the supporting cast and they went on a remarkable 30-3 run in the third quarter to pull away.
Was the second half of Game 2 a sign of things to come in this matchup? Or will the Magic have a response at home? In a matchup this physical and defensive-minded, it’s hard to be super confident either way. Leaning toward the Pistons may be over-indexing too much on the regular season, but they do have the best player and their defense will travel.
Thunder’s Talent and Depth
The Suns put up a real fight in Game 2, and they carried that fight into the postgame press conference. But despite their best efforts, and Jalen Williams’ hamstring injury, they still lost by 13, which summed up the gap between these two teams. The Thunder just have too much talent and depth for the Suns.
Hawks’ Close Victories
This has been, by far, the most competitive and entertaining first-round series thus far. The Hawks have won each of the last two games by one point thanks to late heroics from CJ McCollum, and if they can defend homecourt, they’ll take a commanding 3-1 lead.
Ahead of Saturday’s action, let’s take a look at each game and make some predictions.