From The Sports Desk: NBA playoff preview

NBAFrom The Sports Desk: NBA playoff previewThe NBC News sports team breaks down the first-round matchups. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots against Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)Colin Hubbard / APShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 17, 2026, 3:01 PM EDTBy Rohan Nadkarni, Andrew Greif and Joe Prince-Wright, NBC SportsTomorrow, the first round of the NBA playoffs begins. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Lots of intriguing matchups. Can the remodeled Atlanta Hawks test the star-studded New York Knicks? In the Houston Rockets-Los Angeles Lakers series, which all-time great will end with the upper hand, Kevin Durant or LeBron James? There’s an entire Wikipedia page dedicated to the last 20 years of the Denver Nuggets-Minnesota Timberwolves’ rivalry.Time to lock in. Our NBC Sports crew analyzes the series below. Throughout the NBA playoffs, we’ll have you covered here and, as always, on the NBC News website. Eastern Conference1. Detroit Pistons vs. No. 8. Orlando Magic or Charlotte Hornets: Are people sleeping on the Pistons? A respected NBA writer told me he may pick against them in the first round, especially if Detroit pulls Charlotte as an opponent. The Pistons were second in net rating during the regular season, finishing behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. Detroit should win this series handily, but watching the Pistons’ offense (particularly their outside shooting) get a stress test will be interesting.2. Boston Celtics vs. No. 7. Philadelphia 76ers: Joe Mazzulla is a deserved Coach of the Year candidate, leading Boston to 56 wins despite Jayson Tatum missing most of the season and an offseason makeover. Any concerns about Jaylen Brown and Tatum meshing well after Tatum’s return from a torn Achilles should be left in the re...