The NBA Playoffs 2026 semifinals are officially underway, and the opening night delivered two explosive games. On May 4, 2026, the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a massive upset, edging the San Antonio Spurs 104–102 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Meanwhile, on the East side, the New York Knicks dominated the Philadelphia 76ers 137–98 in a blowout Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The NBA playoffs 2026 bracket is heating up fast.
Background
The NBA Playoffs 2026 first round wrapped up with some dramatic finishes. In the East, the Philadelphia 76ers stunned the Boston Celtics in a seven-game series, while the New York Knicks swept past the Atlanta Hawks convincingly. In the West, the Minnesota Timberwolves knocked out the No. 3 seed Denver Nuggets in six games, and the San Antonio Spurs handled the Portland Trail Blazers with relative ease. Now the second round the NBA semifinals 2026 has arrived with even higher stakes.
NBA Semifinals 2026 Results Today Game 1 Scores (May 4, 2026)
Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1 New York Knicks (3) 137 vs Philadelphia 76ers (7) 98 Date: May 4, 2026 | Time: 5:00 PM PDT | Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York
Western Conference Semifinals — Game 1 Minnesota Timberwolves (6) 104 vs San Antonio Spurs (2) 102 Date: May 4, 2026 | Time: 6:30 PM PDT | Venue: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio
Details What Happened in Game 1?
The New York Knicks delivered a statement performance at Madison Square Garden. They jumped out to an early lead and never looked back against the 76ers. A 39-point margin of victory in a playoff game is remarkable by any standard, and it sent a loud message to the rest of the NBA playoffs 2026 field. The Knicks controlled every quarter with balanced scoring and stifling defense.
The bigger story of the night came from San Antonio. The Minnesota Timberwolves, seeded No. 6 and considered underdogs heading into this NBA semifinals 2026 matchup, pulled off a dramatic road win over the Spurs 104–102. Minnesota had already shocked the league by eliminating the Denver Nuggets in Round 1, and they have now continued that momentum into the second round.
The Spurs led for much of the game but could not hold on in the final minutes. Minnesota’s relentless energy and resilient style of play proved to be the difference on the night.
NBA Playoffs 2026 Schedule Upcoming Semifinals Games
Here is the complete NBA playoffs 2026 schedule for the Conference Semifinals:
Eastern Conference Semifinals NYK vs PHI
- Game 1: Knicks 137, 76ers 98 (May 4)
- Game 2: May 6 — NYK (home) vs PHI — 4:00 PM PDT
- Game 3: May 8 — PHI (home) vs NYK — 4:00 PM PDT
- Game 4: May 10 — PHI (home) vs NYK — 12:30 PM PDT
Western Conference Semifinals — SAS vs MIN
- Game 1: Timberwolves 104, Spurs 102 (May 4)
- Game 2: May 6 — SAS (home) vs MIN — 6:30 PM PDT
- Game 3: May 8 — MIN (home) vs SAS — 6:30 PM PDT
- Game 4: May 10 — MIN (home) vs SAS — 4:30 PM PDT
Eastern Conference Semifinals — DET vs CLE
- Game 1: May 5 — DET (home) vs CLE — 4:00 PM PDT TODAY
- Game 2: May 7 — DET vs CLE
Western Conference Semifinals — OKC vs LAL
- Game 1: May 5 — OKC (home) vs LAL — 5:30 PM PDT TODAY
- Game 2: May 7 — OKC vs LAL
NBA Playoffs 2026 Bracket — Conference Semifinals
Eastern Conference
- New York Knicks (3) vs Philadelphia 76ers (7) — Knicks lead 1–0
- Detroit Pistons (1) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (4) — Series begins May 5
Western Conference
- San Antonio Spurs (2) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (6) — Timberwolves lead 1–0
- Oklahoma City Thunder (1) vs Los Angeles Lakers (4) — Series begins May 5
The NBA playoffs 2026 bracket is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, with a No. 6 seed already leading a No. 2 seed after Game 1.
NBA Playoffs 2026 Predictions
Based on current NBA playoffs 2026 standings and the opening games of the semifinals, here are the predictions for each series:
NYK vs PHI: The Knicks look overwhelming favorites after their 39-point Game 1 blowout. The 76ers upset Boston in Round 1 but face a much sterner test in New York. Prediction: Knicks in 5.
SAS vs MIN: San Antonio will be keen to bounce back at home in Game 2, but Minnesota has proven they can win in hostile environments. Prediction: Spurs in 6 — but this series has upset written all over it.
DET vs CLE: Detroit Pistons enter as the top seed in the East. Cleveland fought past Toronto in seven tough games. Prediction: Pistons in 6.
OKC vs LAL: Oklahoma City swept Phoenix in Round 1 and carries a massive win probability edge of nearly 90%. The Lakers will battle, but the Thunder look dominant. Prediction: OKC in 5.
Quotes
Basketball analysts have taken note of Minnesota’s performance. Observers across the league noted that the Timberwolves winning in San Antonio shows this team has the confidence and talent to compete with anyone in the NBA playoffs 2026. The Knicks’ performance was equally impressive, with commentators pointing to their depth and defensive intensity as the reasons behind the dominant Game 1 result.
Fans on social media praised the Timberwolves as a genuine threat to win the Western Conference, calling their Game 1 victory one of the most exciting NBA semifinals 2026 results so far.
Impact
The NBA semifinals 2026 results today have major implications for the league’s landscape. Minnesota winning Game 1 on the road against San Antonio changes the entire narrative of the Western Conference picture. If the Timberwolves continue their run, they would become one of the most unlikely Western Conference finalists in playoff history. On the East side, the Knicks’ dominance raises questions about whether any team in the conference can slow them down heading toward the NBA Finals.
Tonight, May 5, two more series begin Detroit vs Cleveland and Oklahoma City vs Los Angeles Lakers adding even more to an already packed NBA playoffs 2026 schedule.
Conclusion
The NBA playoffs 2026 are delivering drama from the very first night of the semifinals. The Timberwolves have already pulled off one of the biggest Game 1 upsets of this postseason, and the Knicks have served notice that they are a genuine championship contender. With the Detroit vs Cleveland and OKC vs Lakers series kicking off today, fans have everything to look forward to. Keep following the NBA semifinals 2026 results date by date as this bracket evolves into what promises to be an unforgettable postseason.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is likely to win the NBA Finals in 2026?
Based on the current NBA playoffs 2026 bracket and standings, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks are among the strongest favorites heading into the Conference Semifinals. OKC swept the first round and holds near-90% win probability against the Lakers. The Knicks dismantled the 76ers by 39 points in Game 1. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves are making a case as a dark horse contender from the West.
What teams are in the NBA playoffs in 2026?
The NBA playoffs 2026 featured 16 teams across the Eastern and Western Conferences. The teams in the Conference Semifinals are: New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers (East); and San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Lakers (West).
Who scored 63 points in a playoff game?
The record for most points scored in a single NBA playoff game belongs to Michael Jordan, who scored 63 points for the Chicago Bulls against the Boston Celtics on April 20, 1986 a record that still stands today. No player in the NBA playoffs 2026 has matched or broken that mark.
