2026 NBA playoffs: Conference semifinals takeaways

The second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs is here, and our NBA insiders have you covered for every game of the Eastern and Western conference semifinals.

The No. 2-seeded New York Knicks opened their East series Monday by beating the 7-seedPhiladelphia 76erstotake a 1-0 lead. Meanwhile, the No. 1 seedDetroit Pistonsround out the East bracket on Tuesday by hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In the West, the sixth-seededMinnesota Timberwolves, who hadAnthony Edwards(left knee injury) backfor Game 1, stole a win over the 2-seedSan Antonio SpursandVictor Wembanyamaon Monday.The top-seededOklahoma City Thunder, who swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round, will start their series against the No. 4 seedLos Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

As teams chase the Larry O'Brien Trophy, here's what matters most in both conferences and what to watch for in all four series.

Jump to a series:

Knicks-76ers

Spurs-Timberwolves

More coverage:

Schedules and results |Offseason guides

Eastern Conference

(3)New York Knickslead (7) Philadelphia 76ers 1-0

• Game 1:Knicks 137, 76ers 98

Biggest takeaway from Game 1:Perhaps Game 1 was the result of the Philadelphia 76erscoming off an emotional 3-1 series rally against the Boston Celtics. Or maybe the New York Knicks are rounding into real championship shape, with a fourth straight blowout win in these playoffs and each game essentially over before halftime. The sweat equity these Knicks have built over this season was on display as they stifled Sixers centerJoel Embiid(when they weren't shaken by the desperate Hack-A-Mitch strategy againstMitchell Robinson).Karl-Anthony Townsshowed that he's a matchup nightmare with 17 points (including three 3-pointers), six rebounds and six assists in just 20 minutes; andJalen Brunson ran wild in the first half. Freed from feeling the Atlanta Hawks draped over him, Brunson scored 27 of his 31 points before halftime. -- Vincent Goodwill

Game 2: 76ers at Knicks (Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN)

What to watch in Game 2:It was Philadelphia's shooting that doomed them against New York on Monday. Not only was New York scorching hot but Philly missed just about everything -- the Sixers made just 41% of their field goals and 37% of their 3s -- and the result was an embarrassing loss. Philadelphia will have to do a much better job defendingJalen Brunson and get Tyrese Maxey going much earlier if it wants Game 2 to look different Wednesday night. -- Tim Bontemps

Western Conference

(6)Minnesota Timberwolves lead (2) San Antonio Spurs1-0

• Game 1:Timberwolves 104, Spurs 102

Biggest takeaway from Game 1:The Timberwolves just stole a win in San Antonio despite what should be, in theory, the most limited version of Anthony Edwards they'll have in this series. Nine days after hyperextending his left knee and suffering a bone bruise, Edwards powered his way back onto the floor and coach Chris Finch cautiously brought him off the bench. In only 25 minutes, Edwards had 18 points on 13 shots. He limped and grimaced occasionally, but Edwards generally moved like himself. And his minutes and usage should only rise from here. That's a scary proposition for the Spurs, who struggled to score against the length and strength of the Timberwolves. Victor Wembanyama andDe'Aaron Foxwent a combined 10-of-31 shooting, missing all 12 of their 3s. -- Anthony Slater

Game 2: Timberwolves at Spurs (Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)

What to watch in Game 2:Backpedaling on defense after drilling a 25-foot stepback jumper over Keldon Johnson with 1:27 left in the first quarter, Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards let the opponent and everybody else in Frost Bank Center know: "I'm back boy! I'm back!" While there's only one day off between Games 1 and 2, Minnesota will gladly take it as Edwards looks to work his way back into full form. Edwards provided meaningful minutes in his first action since Game 4 of the first round. But the four-time All-Star was on a minutes restriction. If Edwards emerged from Game 1 without much residual soreness and swelling, the Timberwolves would enter Game 2 more optimistic about their prospects of stealing another game in San Antonio. As Edwards' health improves, look for him to be even more dominant as this series progresses.

San Antonio, meanwhile, will likely look to establish Victor Wembanyama in the paint more offensively in Game 2. Sure, the Frenchman set the NBA playoff record for blocks with 11 to highlight a brilliant performance on defense. But offensively, Wembanyama shot 5-of -7, including 0-of-8 from 3-point range. Typically, in games Wembanyama thrives, he establishes dominance inside early by knocking down easy buckets before taking his offensive game out to the perimeter. San Antonio needs to get Wembanyama more paint touches moving forward, and it's expected that will be a point of emphasis for Game 2. -- Michael C. Wright

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