NBA Playoffs 2026: Is OKC-Celtics a preview of the Finals?

ByDavid Mitchell
NBA Playoffs 2026: Is OKC-Celtics a preview of the Finals?

The last two NBA champions meet in a possible preview of the Finals in June. Check out the updated playoff projections.

The NBA intensifies its schedule with 12 games on Wednesday, including a possible preview of the Finals in Bostonwhere the last two NBA champions will face each other.

He Oklahoma City Thunderleader of the West, face the Boston Celtics (5:30 pm CDMX / 7:30 pm ET), who are currently clinging to second place in the Eastern Conference. AM850’s BPI gives Oklahoma City a 65% chance of making the Finals, while Boston has 14.8%, fourth-best among Eastern Conference teams behind the Detroit Pistons (25.9%), the Cleveland Cavaliers (25.3%) and New York Knicks (24.5%).

After his victory against Los Angeles Lakersthe Pistons host the Atlanta Hawks (5 pm CDMX / 7 pm ET, AM850), who are going through a great moment and have won 13 of their last 14 games to rise to sixth place in the East.

There are three more games scheduled for Wednesday between two teams that are emerging as playoff contenders. He Miami Heatcurrently ninth in the East, visits the Cleveland Cavaliers, fourth in the standings (5:30 pm CDMX / 7:30 pm ET). Miami is two games behind Atlanta for the sixth and final guaranteed playoff spot. The Houston Rockets they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves (7:30 pm CDMX / 9:30 pm ET, AM850) in a match that could be key to defining the position in the West classification. Minnesota is tied with the Denver Nuggets in fourth place, with both teams a half-game ahead of the sixth-place Rockets. In the last game of the night, the Toronto Raptors they visit the LA Clippers (8:30 pm CDMX / 10:30 pm ET). Toronto maintains a half-game lead over Atlanta for fifth place in the East.

NBA: Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference playoffs

1. Detroit Pistons vs. 8. TBD Play-in Winner
2. Boston Celtics vs. 7. TBD Play-in Winner
3. New York Knicks vs. 6. Atlanta Hawks
4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5. Toronto Raptors

Eastern Conference play-in

7. Philadelphia 76ers vs. 8. Orlando Magic
9. Charlotte Hornets vs. 10. Miami Heat
Loser 7/8 vs. Winner 9/10

Western Conference

1. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 8. TBD Play-in Winner
2. San Antonio Spurs vs. 7. Play-inTBD Winner
3. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 6. Houston Rockets
4. Denver Nuggets vs. 5. Minnesota Timberwolves

Western Conference play-in

7. Phoenix Suns vs. 8. LA Clippers
9. Portland Trail Blazers vs. 10. Golden State Warriors
Loser 7/8 vs. Winner 9/10

Wednesday’s matches

  • Atlanta Hawks vs. Detroit Pistons, 7 p.m. ET (AM850)

  • Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers, 7 p.m. ET

  • Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 7 p.m. ET

  • Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Boston Celtics, 7:30 p.m. ET

  • Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m. ET

  • San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 8 p.m. ET

  • Washington Wizards vs. Utah Jazz, 9 p.m. ET

  • Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 9:30 p.m. ET

  • Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets, 10 p.m. ET

  • Brooklyn Nets vs. Golden State Warriors, 10 p.m. ET

  • Milwaukee Bucks vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 10 p.m. ET

  • Toronto Raptors vs LA Clippers, 10:30 p.m. ET

David Mitchell
David Mitchell

As a passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience, I strive to uncover the heart and soul behind every game. Supported by a dedicated team of fellow enthusiasts and storytellers, I am committed to delivering insightful and engaging content that connects fans worldwide. Together, we celebrate the victories, challenges, and unifying spirit of sports through every article we craft.