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By Tyler Erzberger
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We've made it to the NBA playoffs, and it's time to see if anyone in the field has what it takes to topple the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder from going back-to-back as league champions.
But before we get to the NBA Finals, we need to find out who will make it past the first round and join the elite class of eight teams remaining in the postseason.
As we kick off the play-in tournament on Tuesday, here are my official predictions for who will make it out of the Eastern Conference in the opening round of the playoffs.
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(7) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (8) Orlando Magic
A matchup between two teams that both believed at the start of the season that they wouldn't be stuck in the play-in. While both teams have had the injury bug hit them countless times this campaign, Philly should have enough at home to lock down their spot in the postseason.
Prediction: 76ers
(9) Charlotte Hornets vs. (10) Miami Heat
The Hornets are emerging as a team to watch in the Eastern Conference, while the Miami Heat are beginning to fade as they look towards a possible rebuild in the near future.
Charlotte are playing with house money and having fun, and with the home crowd behind them, they get the big win against the Heat.
Prediction: Hornets
(8) Orlando Magic vs. (9) Charlotte Hornets
While the brain says Magic to advance, my heart is telling me the Hornets move on and start getting the nation behind them.
Let the threes fly, Charlotte.
Prediction: Hornets
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(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (9) Charlotte Hornets
Well, it was a fun story while it lasted. The Pistons and Hornets could become one of the best rivalries in the East for the next decade with the young talent on both teams, but in 2026, one team has found its identity while the other is still trying to piece together its future.
Prediction: Pistons in 5
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Toronto Raptors
Similar to the Hornets, the Raptors have been an exciting story to watch this season in a wide-open Eastern Conference, but the road ends here.
If the Cavaliers don't advance past this series, the entire roster will be blown up before free agency even begins. This isn't a series they want to win; it's a series Cleveland needs to win.
Prediction: Cavaliers in 5
(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks
In a similar vein to the Cavaliers, the Knicks are a team whose future with their current starting five depends on how far they go in these playoffs. The Hawks, like the Hornets and Raptors, are a team evolving in front of our eyes, but New York should win in a relatively one-sided series.
Prediction: Knicks in 5
(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers
In an opening round where the first three series go five games, why not make it all four?
The 76ers are a Frankenstein monster in terms of roster construction, whereas the Celtics know who they are, regardless of whether a star player is injured or fully healthy.
Philadelphia takes an early game in the series to give the city hope, and then Joe Mazzulla tightens things up, and the Celtics roll into the conference semifinals.
Prediction: Celtics in 5
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