ESPN Experts Predict Playoffs: Only One Favors Lakers; Knicks, Cavaliers, Nuggets Receive Unanimous Support

On April 14 Beijing time, the 2026 NBA playoffs will begin on Wednesday. During the initial play-in games, the Charlotte Hornets will play at home against the Miami Heat, while the Phoenix Suns will host the Portland Trail Blazers. Which team in the East can advance nearer to the eighth seed, and which powerhouse in the West will lock in a series against the Western Conference's second seed, the San Antonio Spurs?

ESPN's NBA expert panel has made predictions for Wednesday's two games, all play-in matchups, and the first-round series.

Play-in Tournament

Philadelphia 76ers vs Orlando Magic

Final tally: 76ers 7 votes, Magic 6 votes

Charlotte Hornets vs Miami Heat

Final tally: Hornets 10 votes, Heat 3 votes

Phoenix Suns vs Portland Trail Blazers

Final tally: Suns 10 votes, Trail Blazers 3 votes

Los Angeles Clippers vs Golden State Warriors

Final tally: Clippers 11 votes, Warriors 2 votes

Eastern Conference First Round

New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks

The expert panel unanimously favors the Knicks, all predicting their advancement, with most expecting a six-game series.

Final tally: Knicks 12 votes, Hawks 0 votes

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors

The experts unanimously support the Cavaliers, all forecasting their victory, with most anticipating a six-game finish.

Final tally: Cavaliers 12 votes, Raptors 0 votes

Western Conference First Round

Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves

The panel is unanimous in backing the Nuggets, all predicting they will advance, with many seeing a seven-game series.

Final tally: Nuggets 12 votes, Timberwolves 0 votes

Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets

Only one expert favors the Lakers, while all others predict the Rockets will win.

Final tally: Rockets 11 votes, Lakers 1 vote