NBA Playoffs Bracket Unveiled for 2026 Postseason

Updated schedule, TV channels, and scores for every round of the NBA playoffs

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:02am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy and multiple perspectives of an NBA playoff game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and red colliding to create a sense of intense competition.The NBA Playoffs' iconic bracket takes on a dynamic, cubist-inspired visual as the postseason field battles for the championship.Today in Detroit

The 2025-26 NBA Playoffs are officially underway, with the postseason field set after the grueling 82-game regular season. In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons have completed a historic turnaround to clinch a playoff berth, joining other top contenders like the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets.

Why it matters

The NBA Playoffs represent the most exciting and high-stakes portion of the basketball calendar, as teams compete in a best-of-seven format to ultimately crown a league champion. With the parity and competitiveness in the NBA at an all-time high, this year's postseason is expected to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory.

The details

The NBA Playoffs begin with the Play-In Tournament, where teams seeded 7-10 in each conference compete for the final two playoff spots. From there, the traditional 16-team playoff bracket takes shape, with the top seeds in each conference facing off against the lower seeds in a best-of-seven series. The winners of each series advance to the next round until the NBA Finals, where the last two teams standing compete for the championship.

  • The 2025-26 NBA Playoffs began on April 12, 2026 with the Play-In Tournament.
  • The first round of the NBA Playoffs is scheduled for April 15-28, 2026.
  • The second round will take place from April 30 to May 12, 2026.
  • The Conference Finals are slated for May 14-25, 2026.
  • The 2026 NBA Finals are set to begin on May 28, 2026.

The players

Detroit Pistons

An NBA franchise based in Detroit, Michigan that has completed a remarkable turnaround to clinch a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

Milwaukee Bucks

A perennial Eastern Conference contender led by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are once again expected to be a top seed in this year's playoffs.

Brooklyn Nets

After several seasons of roster upheaval, the Nets have emerged as a formidable force in the East, led by a trio of All-Star caliber players.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The playoffs are where legacies are made. Our team is hungry and ready to compete at the highest level.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks Forward

“Making the playoffs is just the first step. Now the real work begins as we try to bring a championship back to Detroit.”

— Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons Guard

What’s next

The Play-In Tournament will determine the final two playoff teams in each conference, with those matchups taking place on April 12-13, 2026. The first round of the NBA Playoffs will then begin on April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

With parity at an all-time high across the NBA, this year's playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most wide-open and competitive in recent memory. Teams like the Pistons, Bucks, and Nets will look to cement their legacies, while other contenders will aim to seize their opportunity and capture the championship.