Overview

• The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, enter as the top seed with a league-best 68-14 record and the highest point differential in NBA history.
• The Boston Celtics aim to defend their title, leveraging their record-breaking three-point shooting, and face the Orlando Magic, who advanced via the play-in tournament.
• Cleveland Cavaliers, Eastern Conference leaders with 64 wins, open their first-round series against the Miami Heat, who became the first play-in team to win two road games to secure a playoff spot.
• The Los Angeles Lakers, revitalized by Luka Dončić's midseason acquisition, begin their playoff run against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a competitive Western Conference field.
• Denver Nuggets, under interim coach David Adelman, face the Los Angeles Clippers in a closely watched first-round series following late-season coaching changes.