Apr 19, 2026
The 2026 NBA playoffs tipped off Saturday with several notable results. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 32 points in Cleveland’s 126-113 win over Toronto; James Harden added 22 in his Cavs playoff debut and Max Strus — who missed most of the season with a left-foot injury and only returned March 15 — scored 24 off the bench. The Knicks defeated the Hawks 113-102 behind Jalen Brunson’s 28 and Karl-Anthony Towns’ 25. The Celtics blew out the 76ers 123-91 as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 51. The biggest surprise: the No. 8 Orlando Magic stunned top-seeded Detroit, 112-101.
Here are the key takeaways and what to watch as the East first round moves forward.
(8) Orlando Magic lead (1) Detroit Pistons, 1-0
Game 1: Magic 112, Pistons 101
Takeaway: Orlando brought the same physical, connected defense and confidence from its play-in win into the opener. An early 18-5 run set the tone; the Magic’s communication and toughness clogged the paint and limited Detroit’s preferred pace. Paolo Banchero was efficient and decisive, avoiding forced outside shots and making the right reads, while Jalen Suggs raced to every loose ball. Cade Cunningham still scored 39, but Detroit couldn’t string together enough stops or sustained offense. Franz Wagner (19) surfaced as a late mismatch problem for the Pistons.
Game 2: Magic at Pistons — Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
What to watch: With the layoff behind them, Detroit must flip the script by being the aggressor, setting the tone physically and controlling tempo. The Pistons need to make Banchero earn his points, produce more offensive support for Cunningham, and involve Jalen Duren more (he had eight points and seven rebounds in Game 1) to restore interior defense and rim protection that helped them earn the top seed.
(2) Boston Celtics lead (7) Philadelphia 76ers, 1-0
Game 1: Celtics 123, 76ers 91
Takeaway: Philadelphia’s outlook was immediately complicated by Joel Embiid’s emergency appendectomy and the Sixers’ failure to adapt. Philly shot just 4-for-23 from long range and couldn’t free Tyrese Maxey to take over; Maxey finished with 21 points and eight assists. Boston’s Tatum and Brown dominated, combining for 51 points, and the Celtics controlled the game on both ends. The 32-point margin was Boston’s largest margin in a playoff opener in franchise history and highlighted a clear gap with Embiid unavailable.
Game 2: 76ers at Celtics — Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET (NBA/Peacock)
What to watch: The Celtics must guard against complacency, but another authoritative performance with Embiid out would put Boston in a commanding series position. If Boston maintains its intensity and focus, its versatile roster can exploit Philadelphia’s limited rotation.
(3) New York Knicks lead (6) Atlanta Hawks, 1-0
Game 1: Knicks 113, Hawks 102
Takeaway: Atlanta came in riding a hot offensive stretch but ran into New York’s disciplined defense and a clean second-half performance by the Knicks. New York held the Hawks to 45 first-half points and just 47 after halftime, forcing Atlanta into fouling down the stretch. Brunson cooled late but still finished with 28, while OG Anunoby and Josh Hart did heavy defensive work to contain Nickeil Alexander-Walker and C.J. McCollum. A fully engaged Knicks team looked every bit like one of the league’s best.
Game 2: Hawks at Knicks — Monday, 8 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)
What to watch: Karl-Anthony Towns was a mismatch weapon in Game 1: 25 points, eight rebounds and four assists, hitting 3-of-4 from deep and continuing a strong regular-season mark against Atlanta (over 63% shooting in those matchups). Expect New York to keep feeding Towns to open driving lanes for Brunson. Atlanta’s priority will be devising ways to limit Towns’ influence so New York’s offense isn’t simplified.
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers lead (5) Toronto Raptors, 1-0
Game 1: Cavaliers 126, Raptors 113
Takeaway: Cleveland’s backcourt controlled the game after the Cavs curtailed Toronto’s transition offense. Donovan Mitchell was efficient (32 points on 11-of-20 shooting) and James Harden finished with 22 points and 10 assists; between scoring and creating, the pair combined to score or assist on 82 of Cleveland’s 126 points (65%). With Immanuel Quickley sidelined, Toronto’s guard rotation lacked the same spark, and the Raptors’ offense faded in the second half.
Game 2: Raptors at Cavaliers — Monday, 7 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)
What to watch: Toronto’s adjustments hinge on Quickley’s hamstring status. If he can’t go, the Raptors must find a better offensive rhythm and cleaner decision-making from Scottie Barnes (21 points but five turnovers in Game 1). Cleveland will look to sustain the backcourt pressure that swung the opener and keep exploiting mismatches in the halfcourt and in transition.
