Brian Fluharty-Imagn ImagesAfter 82 games and the latest edition of the Play-In Tournament, the 2026 NBA Playoffs are finally here. The postseason schedule kicks off tonight with a quartet of matchups, including the Atlanta Hawks in Gotham to battle the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets visiting LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.So, who are the best teams heading into this year’s postseason? Our new NBA power rankings for the 2026 playoffs look to answer that question.16.

Orlando MagicMike Watters-Imagn ImagesThere were very high hopes for the Orlando Magic in 2025-26 after they gave up a boatload of draft assets to land Grizzlies veteran Desmond Bane. However, he has not made the impact on offense that they hoped for, and Franz Wagner suiting up in just 31 games has only made things worse.But the biggest surprise this season was the Magic’s regression on defense. They went from giving up just 105.5 PPG (No. 1 in the NBA) in 2024-25 to 115.3 this season.

That is a major reason why they are big underdog against the Pistons.15. Portland Trail BlazersMark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesThe Portland Trail Blazers saw a dark cloud placed over their season from day one, when former head coach Chauncey Billups was implicated in a wild poker game rigging scheme.

However, interim coach Tiago Splitter did an impressive job of overcoming the drama, leading them to a 42-40 record and their first trip to the playoffs since 2021.The biggest reason why they are in the playoffs this month is a career year from former Wizards lottery pick Deni Avdija. The 25-year-old leads the team in scoring (24.2 PPG) and dropped 41 in their Play-In win earlier this week. Their series with the Spurs should be fun while it lasts.14.

Toronto RaptorsPetre Thomas-Imagn ImagesThe Toronto Raptors punted on a playoff push last season. Hoping that year two for head coach Darko Rajakovic and the addition of Brandon Ingram could lead to a big turnaround in 2025-26. It has worked as they won 16 more games than they did a year ago.This season, Toronto has a top 10 defense (111.8 points against).

But an offense that is in the bottom 10 (114.6 PPG) is why they are an underdog in their four versus five seed battle with the Cavs.13. Phoenix SunsMark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesOutside of the 76ers, the Phoenix Suns were the NBA’s biggest letdown in 2024-25.

It’s why they made wholesale changes last summer, including bringing in a new coach and getting rid of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. The changes delivered positive results, and Phoenix was a team worthy of respect in 2025-26.The biggest difference from last season is that this group plays pretty good defense, and is giving up the sixth fewest points in the NBA (111.1 PPG). They needed two Play-In games to reach the playoffs, but they should offer the defending champ Thunder solid resistance in Round 1.12.

Los Angeles LakersKevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesThere were big expectations for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. They got a full training camp with young superstar Luka Doncic, and head coach JJ Redick impressed during his rookie year. Plus, they still have one of the greatest players of all time, LeBron James, still playing at a high level.Over the last couple of months, they were one of the best teams in the NBA.

However, tough injuries to Donic and Austin Reaves at the worst possible time leave James alone to lead the way in a tough matchup against the Rockets in Round 1.11. Philadelphia 76ersRick Scuteri-Imagn ImagesThe Philadelphia 76ers bounced back from a disastrous 2024-25 campaign due to the emergence of Tyrese Maxey into one of the NBA’s brightest young stars and rookie VJ Edgecombe into a future All-Star. Their talented guards and grey beard, Paul George, are why their series against the Celtics is the must-see matchup in Round 1.10.

Atlanta HawksDale Zanine-Imagn ImagesThis has been a very interesting season for the Atlanta Hawks. At first, it seemed to be about building for the long-term. The best proof was Jalen Johnson’s emergence as a new star and the organization moving long-time face of the franchise, Trae Young, to Washington.Just being competitive seemed like enough.

However, the Hawks and their young core head into the NBA Playoffs looking confident and dangerous with an offense that is putting up 118.5 PPG — sixth best in the league.9. Minnesota Timberwolvesquarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesCredit: USA TODAY SportsThe Minnesota Timberwolves entered the new season as one of the West’s elites after back-to-back trips to the West Finals.

However, one of the best defensive units in the NBA has regressed this season. A year ago, they were giving up 109.3 a night. This year, they finished with 114.6 points against.With a superstar like Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves remain dangerous, but this doesn’t look like the teams from the last two seasons.8. Cleveland CavaliersDale Zanine-Imagn ImagesLast year, the Cleveland Cavaliers were the East’s best