: Despite leading the Rockets 2–1, the Lakers are missing Luka Dončić (indefinitely) and Austin Reaves .
The following write-up covers the current state of the NBA as of late , focusing on the unfolding 2026 NBA Playoffs, major award races, and significant league developments. 2026 NBA Playoffs: First Round Highlights Articles on the topic: "nba"
: The Oklahoma City Thunder currently lead the Phoenix Suns 3–0, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading a dominant young core. In the East, the Orlando Magic took a 3–1 lead over the top-seeded Detroit Pistons following a gritty 94–88 Game 4 victory. : Despite leading the Rockets 2–1, the Lakers
: Joel Embiid made a return from an appendectomy in Game 4, but the Celtics still secured a 128–96 win to take a 3–1 lead. In the East, the Orlando Magic took a
: Anthony Edwards is expected to miss multiple weeks due to a knee injury. Playoff Series Status (as of April 27, 2026) Matchup (Higher Seed vs. Lower Seed) Current Leader Series Score (1) Detroit Pistons vs. (8) Orlando Magic Orlando Magic (2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers Boston Celtics (3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks (4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Toronto Raptors (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Phoenix Suns Oklahoma City Thunder (2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Portland Trail Blazers San Antonio Spurs (3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves Minnesota Timberwolves (4) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Houston Rockets Los Angeles Lakers Google Sports Data This response uses data provided by Google Sports Which team has impressed most so far in the NBA Playoffs?