Thrilling NBA Playoffs Heat Up with Key Matchups and Predictions for Game 2
After a weekend full of blowouts, the 2026 NBA playoffs kicked into gear on Monday with a pair of thrillers featuring upset wins for the No. 6 seeds in each conference. In the East, the Atlanta Hawks pulled off a double-digit fourth-quarter comeback to stun the New York Knicks, while out West, the Minnesota Timberwolves recovered from an early 19-point deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets. The action continues on Tuesday night with three more Game 2s: Game 2: Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics (-14), 7 p.m. -- Peacock Game 2: Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. -- NBC Game 2: Houston Rockets (-5) at Los Angeles Lakers, 10:30 p.m. -- NBC 76ers at Celtics Game 2 Prediction The Celtics dominated the Joel Embiid-less Sixers by 32 points in Game 1, marking the largest playoff-opening win in franchise history. Jayson Tatum nearly recorded a triple-double, supported by six double-digit scorers, while holding the Sixers to just 38.9% shooting. Without Embiid, the Sixers face an uphill battle in Game 2. However, after being embarrassed on Sunday, they are unlikely to shoot 0 of 12 on wide-open 3s again. Prediction: Celtics win, but Sixers keep it respectable. Pick: Sixers (+14). Trail Blazers at Spurs Game 2 Prediction Victor Wembanyama, the unanimous 2026 Defensive Player of the Year, shone in his playoff debut against the Blazers, scoring 35 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, leading the Spurs to a comfortable win. Given the Blazers' struggles to score, the Spurs are favored again, but the question remains whether they can cover the spread against a desperate team. Prediction: Spurs win, but Blazers cover. Pick: Blazers (+11.5). Rockets at Lakers Game 2 Prediction Game 1 felt like a regular-season matchup due to key absences, including Kevin Durant for the Rockets and Luka Dončić plus Austin Reaves for the Lakers. Luke Kennard stepped up, leading the Lakers with a playoff career-high 27 points. Expect another competitive game as both teams look to capitalize on the situation.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-21