NBA Playoffs Update: Second Round Results and NBA Draft Lottery Takeaways

The second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs has already delivered dominant performances, surprising results, and major momentum swings as teams battle for spots in the conference finals.

While several series remain competitive, the New York Knicks have become the first team to advance after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in emphatic fashion.

The Knicks closed out the series with a 144-114 Game 4 victory, tying NBA playoff records with 25 made three-pointers. Miles McBride led the way with 25 points while Jalen Brunson continued his strong postseason run. New York has now won seven consecutive playoff games and awaits the winner of the Detroit Pistons-Cleveland Cavaliers series in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Elsewhere, the Oklahoma City Thunder continue to strengthen their position as championship favorites after taking control against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Thunder’s defense and depth have overwhelmed opponents throughout the postseason, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as one of the leading playoff performers.

The Thunder remain the betting favorite to win the NBA championship at sportsbook like FanDuel and DraftKings. The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers remain locked in one of the most competitive second-round series, while the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves matchup has featured standout performances from Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards.

Second Round Series Results and Upcoming Games

Eastern Conference

• Knicks vs. 76ers
  • Knicks win series 4-0
  • New York advances to the Eastern Conference Finals after a dominant sweep.
• Pistons vs. Cavaliers
  • Pistons lead series 2-1
  • Next Game: Game 4 in Detroit
  • Cade Cunningham and Donovan Mitchell continue to headline one of the closest matchups remaining.

Western Conference

• Thunder vs. Lakers
  • Thunder lead series 2-0
  • Next Game: Game 3 in Los Angeles
  • Oklahoma City has controlled the tempo defensively while limiting transition scoring from the Lakers.
• Spurs vs. Timberwolves
  • Series tied 1-1
  • Next Game: Game 3 in Minnesota
  • Wembanyama and Edwards have emerged as two of the most impactful players in the postseason.

NBA Draft Lottery Results Shake Up the Offseason

While playoff teams continue chasing a title, the NBA Draft Lottery officially set the top portion of the 2026 draft order. The Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 overall pick after entering Sunday’s lottery with one of the league’s worst records.

The lottery results immediately shifted attention toward what many analysts consider one of the deepest draft classes in recent years, headlined by prospects such as AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, and Caleb Wilson.

Several teams experienced major movement in the lottery. The Brooklyn Nets fell to the No. 6 pick despite entering with strong odds for a top-four selection, while teams such as Memphis and Chicago moved up in the order.

Top 10 Picks in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery

1. Washington Wizards
2. Utah Jazz
3. Memphis Grizzlies
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Indiana Pacers
6. Brooklyn Nets
7. Philadelphia 76ers
8. Orlando Magic
9. Charlotte Hornets
10. Miami Heat

The lottery also reinforced how quickly NBA rebuilding timelines can shift and also affecting NBA betting markets. Teams near the top of the draft now have opportunities to add franchise-changing talent, while playoff teams continue competing for a championship with the conference finals approaching.