NBA Playoffs Bracket Set After Final Regular Season Games

The 2026 NBA playoff bracket is officially locked in after Sunday's dramatic conclusion to the regular season. With seeding battles going down to the wire, basketball fans are buzzing about the first-round matchups that will tip off this weekend.

The Eastern Conference top seed went to the Boston Celtics (62-20), who edged out the Milwaukee Bucks (61-21) by one game. Out West, the Denver Nuggets (60-22) claimed the #1 spot over the Oklahoma City Thunder (59-23) in another tight race.

Key first-round series include a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Finals between Miami and New York, while Phoenix and Dallas renew their Southwest rivalry. The play-in tournament on Tuesday and Wednesday will determine the final two spots in each conference.

This year's bracket is trending as fans debate potential upsets and championship contenders. Social media is flooded with predictions after several teams made major moves at the trade deadline. The playoffs begin Saturday with four Game 1 matchups.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted the parity this season, with 12 teams winning at least 50 games. Television networks are preparing for strong ratings after last year's playoffs set viewership records. Ticket sales for opening weekend games reportedly spiked within hours of the bracket being finalized.

Analysts highlight the Nuggets' championship experience versus the Thunder's young core as a potential Western Conference showdown. In the East, Boston's depth will be tested against physical opponents like Philadelphia or Cleveland.

The complete bracket is available on NBA.com, with game times expected to be announced Monday morning. Fans can watch the play-in games on TNT and ESPN before the main playoff slate begins April 18 on ABC, ESPN, and TNT.