The 2026 NBA playoffs began with a few blowouts, a few games decided in the fourth quarter and one Sunday surprise over the weekend. All of the home teams won Game 1 except for the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons, who lost in their Eastern Conference first-round opener to the No. 8 seed Orlando Magic. But there's potential for more drama based on the initial results.
The intrigue could really build when Game 2 begins around the NBA starting on Monday, April 20. There are three games on the schedule on Monday and Tuesday, with two more Game 2s on the docket for Wednesday.
The Eastern Conference leads off the action with the No. 5 seed Toronto Raptors trying to even their series against the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. The No. 6 seed Atlanta Hawks get another shot to knock off the third-seeded New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Monday's nightcap features the No. 3 seed Denver Nuggets hosting the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves after Nikola Jokic and company erased an early deficit and pulled away in the fourth quarter during Game 1.
Here are all the scores from every Game 1 around the NBA playoffs, as well as the schedule moving forward for every first-round series:
The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
1 / 9Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker styleThe NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
NBA PLAYOFF SIMULATION: Thunder favored, but will they win it all?
NOTE: Not all games have been given an official start time or viewing options yet. All listed times are Eastern:
Game 2 at Detroit: Wednesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. | ESPN
Game 3 at Orlando: Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m. | Peacock
Game 4 at Orlando: Monday, April 27 | Time and TV TBD
*Game 5 at Detroit: Wednesday, April 29 | Time and TV TBD
*Game 6 at Orlando: Friday, May 1 | Time and TV TBD
*Game 7 at Detroit: Sunday, May 3 | Time and TV TBD
Game 2 at Boston: Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m. | Peacock
Game 3 at Philadelphia: Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. | Prime Video
Game 4 at Philadelphia: Sunday, April 26 at 7 p.m. | NBC, Peacock
*Game 5 at Boston: Tuesday, April 28 | Time and TV TBD