yahoo - 5/18/2026 4:00:36 PM - GMT (+2 )
The NBA playoffs are down to just four teams. And what a battle it's shaping up to be.
The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a stunner in the Eastern Conference by dominating the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in Game 7. Now the Cavs will look to knock off a well-rested New York Knicks team coming off a sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers that seems to be peaking at the perfect time.
In the Western Conference, the No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs eliminated the No. 6 seed Timberwolves on the road in Minnesota. This series had been a back-and-forth affair, but the Spurs took command in Game 5 at home then clinched a trip to the conference finals on the Timberwolves home court in Game 6. The Spurs will take on the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who haven't lost in these playoffs. The Thunder started this postseason by sweeping the Phoenix Suns, and then they did the same to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals.
Here’s a look at the bracket and upcoming schedule for the Eastern and Western Conference finals:
The New York Knicks have the higher seed and will host Games 1, 2, 5 and 7, while the Cleveland Cavaliers will host Games 3, 4 and 6.
No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 4 Cleveland CavaliersAll games on ESPN unless otherwise noted; *-if necessary
- Game 1 at New York: Tuesday, May 19, 8 p.m.
- Game 2 at New York: Thursday, May 21, 8 p.m.
- Game 3 at Cleveland: Saturday, May 23, 8 p.m. (ABC)
- Game 4 at Cleveland: Monday, May 25, 8 p.m.
- *Game 5 at New York: Wednesday, May 27, 8 p.m.
- *Game 6 at Cleveland: Friday, May 29, 8 p.m.
- *Game 7 at New York: Sunday, May 31, 8 p.m.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have the No. 1 seed and will host Games 1, 2, 5 and 7, while the San Antonio Spurs host Games 3, 4 and 6.
No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 2 San Antonio SpursAll games on NBC and Peacock; *-if necessary
- Game 1 at Oklahoma City: Monday, May 18, 8:30 p.m.
- Game 2 at Oklahoma City: Wednesday, May 20, 8:30 p.m.
- Game 3 at San Antonio: Friday, May 22, 8:30 p.m.
- Game 4 at San Antonio: Sunday, May 24, 8 p.m.
- *Game 5 at Oklahoma City: Tuesday, May 26, 8:30 p.m.
- *Game 6 at San Antonio: Thursday, May 28, 8:30 p.m.
- *Game 7 at Oklahoma City: Saturday, May 30, 8 p.m.
Cavaliers win series 4-3
- Game 1: Pistons 111, Cavaliers 101
- Game 2: Pistons 107, Cavaliers 97
- Game 3: Cavaliers 116, Pistons 109
- Game 4: Cavaliers 112, Pistons 103
- Game 5: Cavaliers 117, Pistons 113 (OT)
- Game 6: Pistons 115, Cavaliers 94
- Game 7: Cavaliers 125, Pistons 94
Knicks win series 4-0
- Game 1: Knicks 137, 76ers 98
- Game 2: Knicks 108, 76ers 102
- Game 3: Knicks 108, 76ers 94
- Game 4: Knicks 144, 76ers 114
Spurs win series 4-2
- Game 1: Timberwolves 104, Spurs 102
- Game 2: Spurs 133, Timberwolves 95
- Game 3: Spurs 115, Timberwolves 108
- Game 4: Timberwolves 114, Spurs 109
- Game 5: Spurs 126, Timberwolves 97
- Game 6: Spurs 139, Timberwolves 109
Thunder win series 4-0
- Game 1: Thunder 108, Lakers 90
- Game 2: Thunder 125, Lakers 107
- Game 3: Thunder 131, Lakers 108
- Game 4: Thunder 115, Lakers 110
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA playoff bracket 2026: Conference finals schedule, scores, matchups
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