NBA Playoffs 2026: Lakers Face Questions as Pistons Lead East, Spurs Rise in West

As the 2026 NBA playoffs approach, league insiders are watching six key storylines that could define the postseason. The biggest question surrounds the Los Angeles Lakers, who are seeded fourth in the West despite concerns about their championship chances.

The Eastern Conference features some surprises, with the Detroit Pistons holding the top seed. The Boston Celtics sit at second, followed by the New York Knicks in third and the Cleveland Cavaliers in fourth. The Pistons will face either the seventh or eighth seed, while Boston gets a similar matchup.

In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder earned the top seed. The San Antonio Spurs claimed second place, raising questions about whether their improved three-point shooting can sustain playoff success. The Denver Nuggets hold third, setting up a potential Lakers matchup in the first round.

Scouts are particularly watching Neemias Queta as a Most Improved Player candidate, though he faces tough playoff matchups against players like Detroit's Jalen Duren and Cleveland's Jarrett Allen. The Golden State Warriors sit tenth in the West, potentially missing the playoffs entirely.