One round of the NBA playoffs is now fully in the books, and what an entry it became. The opening series of the 2026 postseason gave its viewership so much — three Game 7s, two sizable upsets, a Victor Wembanyama debut for the ages and a timeless performance from LeBron James.
What awaits us in the conference semifinals? In the East, Joel Embiid and his surging Philadelphia 76ers duel familiar rivals in Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks. On the other end, Cade Cunningham’s top-seeded Detroit Pistons square up with Donovan Mitchell’s Cleveland Cavaliers, both sides fresh off seven-game series triumphs.
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In the Western Conference, Wembanyama leads the San Antonio Spurs into battle with the Minnesota Timberwolves — as Anthony Edwards tries to persevere through pain. And James fronts the Los Angeles Lakers’ effort to dethrone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, reigning MVP, and his defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Eight teams remain. One of them will go on to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Here’s the complete second-round schedule, with dates and channels for potential Games 5-7 updated as they’re announced. All times listed are Eastern.
You can watch the NBA playoffs live on Fubo (Stream Free Now!).
2026 NBA playoffs second-round schedule
The round begins on Monday, May 4. The latest it could end is Monday, May 18, should Thunder-Lakers go the distance. Broadcasters for the conference semifinals are ABC, ESPN, NBC/NBCSN/Peacock and Prime Video.
East: No. 1 Detroit Pistons vs. No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers
- Game 1 at Detroit: Tuesday, May 5, 7 p.m. (Peacock/NBCSN)
- Game 2 at Detroit: Thursday, May 7, 7 p.m. (Prime Video)
- Game 3 at Cleveland: Saturday, May 9, 3 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
- Game 4 at Cleveland: Monday, May 11, 8 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
- Game 5 at Detroit*: Wednesday, May 13, TBD
- Game 6 at Cleveland*: Friday, May 15, TBD
- Game 7 at Detroit*: Sunday, May 17, TBD
* if necessary
East: No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers
- Game 1 at New York: Monday, May 4, 8 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
- Game 2 at New York: Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
- Game 3 at Philadelphia: Friday, May 8, 7 p.m. (Prime Video)
- Game 4 at Philadelphia: Sunday, May 10, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
- Game 5 at New York*: Tuesday, May 12, TBD
- Game 6 at Philadelphia*: Thursday, May 14, TBD
- Game 7 at New York*: Sunday, May 17, TBD
* if necessary
West: No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers
- Game 1 at Oklahoma City: Tuesday, May 5, 8:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
- Game 2 at Oklahoma City: Thursday, May 7, 9:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
- Game 3 at Los Angeles: Saturday, May 9, 8:30 p.m. (ABC)
- Game 4 at Los Angeles: Monday, May 11, 10:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
- Game 5 at Oklahoma City*: Wednesday, May 13, TBD
- Game 6 at Los Angeles*: Saturday, May 16, TBD
- Game 7 at Oklahoma City*: Monday, May 18, TBD
* if necessary
West: No. 2 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves
- Game 1 at San Antonio: Monday, May 4, 9:30 p.m. (Peacock/NBCSN)
- Game 2 at San Antonio: Wednesday, May 6, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)
- Game 3 at Minnesota: Friday, May 8, 9:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
- Game 4 at Minnesota: Sunday, May 10, 7:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
- Game 5 at San Antonio*: Tuesday, May 12, TBD
- Game 6 at Minnesota*: Friday, May 15, TBD
- Game 7 at San Antonio*: Sunday, May 17, TBD
* if necessary
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Most recent NBA championship by remaining team
- Oklahoma City Thunder — 2025
- Los Angeles Lakers — 2020
- Cleveland Cavaliers — 2016
- San Antonio Spurs — 2014
- Detroit Pistons — 2004
- Philadelphia 76ers — 1983
- New York Knicks — 1973
- Minnesota Timberwolves — Never
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