It’s time for the NBA Conference Semifinals, where intense battles will be seen from the get-go with Game 1. It’s evident that there is tough competition to come from both the East and West conferences. Check out the schedule and lineup prediction preview below!
NBA Semifinals So Far: Scores & Series Leads
The NBA conference semifinals offer a mix of dominance, with teams either gaining early momentum or just beginning.
In the NBA Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks easily outclassed the Philadelphia 76ers with top-notch shooting and defensive domination. In the game between the Pistons and the Cavaliers, the Pistons gained the advantage with superior ball control.
The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Western Conference, excelling under pressure. The Oklahoma City Thunder comfortably won against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Here are the latest NBA Game 1 results:
NBA Matchup
Score (Game 1)
Series Status
Knicks vs 76ers
137 – 98
Knicks lead 1–0
Pistons vs Cavaliers
111-101
Pistons lead 1–0
Spurs vs Timberwolves
102 – 104
Timberwolves lead 1–0
Thunder vs Lakers
108-90
Thunder lead 1–0
Upcoming NBA Match Schedule:
1. Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Date: 07 May 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 07:00 PM ET | 04:00 PM PT | 04:30 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers
Date: 07 May 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 09:30 PM ET | 06:30 PM PT | 07:00 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
3. Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks
Date: 08 May 2026 (Friday)
Time: 07:00 PM ET | 04:00 PM PT | 04:30 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
4. Minnesota Timberwolves vs San Antonio Spurs
Date: 08 May 2026 (Friday)
Time: 09:30 PM ET | 06:30 PM PT | 07:00 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis
Predicted Starting Lineups
Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Date: 07 May 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 07:00 PM ET | 04:00 PM PT | 04:30 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
Detroit Pistons Expected Lineup:
Position
Player
Point Guard
Cade Cunningham
Shooting Guard
Duncan Robinson
Small Forward
Ausar Thompson
Power Forward
Tobias Harris
Center
Jalen Duren
Cleveland Cavaliers Expected Lineup:
Position
Player
Point Guard
James Harden
Shooting Guard
Donovan Mitchell
Small Forward
Dean Wade
Power Forward
Evan Mobley
Center
Jarrett Allen
Preview:
This NBA matchup between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers is expected to be a tougher battle. However, the advantage of Detroit will likely remain after Game 1 victory. The main reason is that, in the first game, the Pistons were not just winners; they dictated the tempo. They played tough, pressuring the defense and causing many turnovers, which in turn led to quick scoring for Detroit.
Even though the Cavaliers have some highly productive players, they failed to handle the pressure and struggled offensively. Therefore, when playing against the Pistons again, the Cavaliers are surely going to give their best. If they are unable to defend successfully, the outcome of this NBA matchup will again be in Detroit’s favor.
The pick: Detroit Pistons
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers
Date: 07 May 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 09:30 PM ET | 06:30 PM PT | 07:00 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City Thunder Expected Lineup:
Position
Player
Point Guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shooting Guard
Luguentz Dort
Small Forward
Cason Wallace
Power Forward
Chet Holmgren
Center
Isaiah Hartenstein
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineup:
Position
Player
Point Guard
Austin Reaves
Shooting Guard
Marcus Smart
Small Forward
Rui Hachimura
Power Forward
LeBron James
Center
Deandre Ayton
Preview:
This NBA playoff game at Paycom Center favors the Thunder after their 108-90 victory in the first game. While the Thunder outscored the Lakers, they also dominated from the start by setting the pace. Followed by controlling the rebounds, and executing good offensive and defensive moves. The composure and leadership shown by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led the team along with Chet Holmgren, made Oklahoma City very organized.
Although the Lakers will try to improve their performance by using their veteran roster better, they still seem to lack rhythm.
However, these changes may not matter much, as the Lakers are still unlikely to shoot efficiently and maintain solid defense. Having another home-court game provides them with a boost, which may result in another Thunder win.
The pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks
Date: 08 May 2026 (Friday)
Time: 07:00 PM ET | 04:00 PM PT | 04:30 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
Philadelphia 76ers Expected Lineup:
Position
Player
Point Guard
Tyrese Maxey
Shooting Guard
VJ Edgecombe
Small Forward
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Power Forward
Paul George
Center
Joel Embiid
New York Knicks Expected Lineup:
Position
Player
Point Guard
Jalen Brunson
Shooting Guard
Josh Hart
Small Forward
Mikal Bridges
Power Forward
OG Anunoby
Center
Karl-Anthony Towns
Preview:
After a brutal 137–98 blowout in Game 1, the pressure is entirely on the Philadelphia 76ers. They return home to face the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. That previous game wasn’t just a loss; it was a complete system breakdown. The Knicks dominated shooting efficiency, ball movement, and defense. They shot over 63% from the field and had a massive edge in assists.
New York exposed Philadelphia’s lack of defensive coordination and their struggles under pressure. While the 76ers will respond with urgency at home, trying to play with better structure, as the execution gap becomes apparent. The Knicks appear far better prepared and controlled, with a number of contributors rather than relying on one player’s performance. Regardless of how the 76ers may improve, the Knicks’ overall balance will ensure they have the upper hand in this encounter. Unless there is a major shift, the Knicks are likely to move ahead.
The pick: New York Knicks
Minnesota Timberwolves vs San Antonio Spurs
Date: 08 May 2026 (Friday)
Time: 09:30 PM ET | 06:30 PM PT | 07:00 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis
Minnesota Timberwolves Expected Lineup:
Position
Player
Point Guard
Mike Conley
Shooting Guard
Anthony Edwards
Small Forward
Jaden McDaniels
Power Forward
Julius Randle
Center
Rudy Gobert
San Antonio Spurs Expected Lineup:
Position
Player
Point Guard
De’Aaron Fox
Shooting Guard
Stephon Castle
Small Forward
Devin Vassell
Power Forward
Julian Champagnie
Center
Victor Wembanyama
Preview:
After securing a hard-fought victory of 104-102 in the first game, the Timberwolves will play their second match against the Spurs. The Timberwolves show their toughness, proving they can also deliver in clutch situations. While the Timberwolves were more composed at the end of the match, the Spurs demonstrated similar rebounding efficiency. At the same time, the Spurs were significantly less accurate from long range, which influenced the outcome.
After a close road opener, the Spurs were expected to perform better in the next game. However, Minnesota’s consistent performance and home-court advantage suggest they will likely hold the edge in this NBA matchup.
The pick: Minnesota Timberwolves
Conclusion:
As the NBA Conference Semifinals continue, momentum and adjustments will decide who takes control. First-game winners aim to solidify their position, while the others must rebound and surpass their opponents in Game 2. Important players, tactics, and home advantage are predicted to add to the excitement of these games
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