Day 1 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs came to an end on Saturday. But if you thought the action was over, you are wrong. Teams like the LA Lakers, New York Knicks, and others lit up the first night with key players like Kevin Durant missing, giving LeBron James and Co. the advantage, and Jalen Brunson was accused of being on Broadway while his team went on to win the game. Now, it’s time for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, and others to take center stage. And just before the real drama unfolds, the preview becomes crucial. Don’t worry, we’ve got you!
NBA Playoffs: Injury Reports
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
In the Boston Celtics‘ camp, everyone looks fully fit ahead of the 76ers clash. Jayson Tatum, who missed most of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon, returned in early March and remains available. Jaylen Brown battled Achilles tendinitis, missed a few games, but the medical staff has now cleared him for action. Nikola Vucevic, after a hand injury that kept him out a month, is also available for the playoffs now.
On the other hand, Joel Embiid’s situation looms large, as Philly’s lone injury concern stems from his emergency appendectomy less than two weeks ago. Meanwhile, head coach Nick Nurse has stayed tight-lipped, offering little clarity. So, while the roster looks steady on paper, the heartbeat of Philadelphia’s lineup remains in suspense, quietly shaping the series ahead. Embiid is at least out for Game 1 of the series. Trendon Watford’s status is also questionable following an undisclosed illness.
“I’m preparing for Sunday’s game, and I know he’s [Embiid] not playing in that one,” Coach Nurse said on Friday. “So that’s all, we’re just zeroed in on trying to see, can we go in there and get ready to battle and fight and execute as best we can?”
Phoenix Suns vs OKC Thunder
Now, the Phoenix Suns injury report places Grayson Allen questionable with a left hamstring strain and Mark Williams questionable with left foot soreness. Allen impacts spacing, posting 16.5 points per game, 34.9% from three on 8.9 attempts. If limited, Devin Booker steps up, 26.1 points, 6.0 assists, and 45.6% FG. Meanwhile, Williams delivers 11.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 64.4% inside the scoring arc. His rim protection becomes vital against Oklahoma City’s frontcourt depth in the matchup battle.
On the Thunder‘s side, Thomas Sorber remains the only confirmed absence, still sidelined after right ACL surgery and missing all rotation minutes this season. Meanwhile, the Thunder’s engine runs hot. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drives it with 31.1 points and 6.6 assists on 55.3% shooting. Next, Jalen Williams adds 17.1 points and 5.5 assists. Additionally, Chet Holmgren delivers 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks, anchoring the paint with a sharp defensive presence.
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons
The Orlando Magic lists Wendell Carter Jr. as available despite a nasal fracture, and he will play wearing a protective face mask. Meanwhile, Jonathan Isaac remains questionable with a left knee sprain, keeping some uncertainty alive. However, Detroit reports a clean bill of health across its roster. Carter still anchors Orlando inside, delivering 11.8 points and 7.4 rebounds while starting all 78 games he has played this season.
At the same time, the Pistons are arriving fully healthy, giving them a steady edge. Cade Cunningham is currently going through rehab following his collapsed lung situation. So, his full-game status remains questionable as the team said that their star is ‘getting close’ to 100%.
San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers
Good news for the San Antonio Spurs. They are heading into Game 1 with a largely settled rotation, as Jordan McLaughlin is the only absence after suffering a left ankle sprain, leaving the rest of the squad fully available and steady.
Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers come into the matchup missing their centerpiece, with Damian Lillard sidelined as he continues managing a left Achilles tendon injury, leaving a major gap in their leadership and scoring presence.
NBA Playoffs: Predicted Line-up
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
| Celtics | 76ers |
| Derrick White | Tyrese Maxey |
| Jaylen Brown | Quentin Grimes |
| Sam Hauser | Paul George |
| Jayson Tatum | VJ Edgecombe |
| Nikola Vucevic | Andre Drummond |
Phoenix Suns vs OKC Thunder
| Suns | Thunder |
| Devin Booker | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
| Jalen Green | Lu Dort |
| Jordan Goodwin | Jalen Williams |
| Dillon Brooks | Chet Holmgren |
| Mark Williams | Isaiah Hartenstein |
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons
| Magic | Pistons |
| Jalen Suggs | Cade Cunningham |
| Desmond Bane | Duncan Robinson |
| Franz Wagner | Ausar Thompson |
| Paolo Banchero | Tobias Harris |
| Wendell Carter Jr. | Jalen Duren |
San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers
| Spurs | Trail Blazers |
| De’Aaron Fox | Jrue Holiday |
| Stephon Castle | Toumani Camara |
| Devin Vassell | Deni Avdija |
| Julian Champagnie | Jerami Grant |
| Victor Wembanyama | Donovan Clingan |
NBA Playoffs: Odds
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
Phoenix Suns vs OKC Thunder
The odds tilt heavily toward the Oklahoma City Thunder at -1100, while the Phoenix Suns sit at +700, setting a clear imbalance. Meanwhile, OKC also commands a -13.5 spread, reinforcing dominance expectations. Additionally, the total is fixed at 215.5 points, unchanged from opening lines. Consequently, markets strongly back Thunder control. Leaving Phoenix with a steep uphill battle in both scoring projection and overall game competitiveness tonight.
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons
San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers
Odds paint a lopsided picture in the Blazers vs Spurs series, with Portland at +1000 and San Antonio at -2000, translating to a 95.24% implied Spurs win probability. Meanwhile, the Spurs also lead the -2.5 spread at -210. Additionally, correct score lines favor the Spurs in 4 (+175) or 5 (+200), while the total games sit at 5.5 with Under -260. Therefore, a short, dominant Spurs series feels strongly expected overall.
NBA Playoffs: Where to watch
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
Date: April 19, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV channel: ABC
Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV, and more
Phoenix Suns vs OKC Thunder
Date: April 19, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV channel: ABC
Streaming: ESPN app
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock
San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers
Date: April 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock
So, now, you know everything you need to know about Day 2 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. We only have to wait for the action to unfold.
