The NBA playoffs consist of 16 teams split evenly into two conferences, the Eastern and Western, from around the United States. These teams feature top basketball players from different states as well as international players.

The Thunder lead the way in odds for NBA Champion and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the frontrunner to win MVP, but the West is loaded. Can Oklahoma City repeat as champions? Can SGA repeat and win back-to-back MVPs? Let’s talk about it.

December 19 brings a busy NBA slate with playoff-level matchups across both conferences. Several games feature strong favorites, while a few contests have upset potential. From classic rivalries to rising contenders,

The 2026 NBA playoffs will begin on April 18. The 2025-26 regular season wraps up on April 12, giving teams a short break before the postseason tips off. The Play-In Tournament, introduced in 2021 to keep more teams competitive and reduce tanking, determines the final two playoff spots in each conference.

Adam Silver said the NBA was considering "whether it makes sense to maybe go to some unique locations for the final game."

Jaylen Brown locks up Luka Doncic in Game 5 to seal the Bill Russell trophy as 2024 NBA Finals MVP.

For a player like Jalen Brunson, who was named the NBA Cup Finals MVP after scoring 25 points with eight assists and four rebounds, the prize money isn’t necessarily a huge deal. Brunson makes about $39 million per year, so he instead plans to use some of the NBA Cup money to give back.

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant is considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time and recently admitted that he was not aware his calf strain could result in a worse injury.

Moreover, the cup run highlighted this team's growing ability to stay composed, play collectively and overcome adversity in high-pressure moments. For Hall of Famer, Reggie Miller, this triumph only doubles down on his belief that the Knicks can finally be trusted when the 2026 playoffs arrive and represent the East in the 2026 NBA Finals.