2026 NBA Playoffs Contenders: Who’s Taking The Postseason?

The April playoffs are close enough to alley-oop, and it’s all in the air with how incredibly packed this season has been. With the race for the playoffs and the championship wide open, the next big winner has their task cut out for them. 

Will the defending champions OKC Thunder take it all again, or will the Pistons continue their dominant run this postseason?

Get the hoop insights you need with this Giant Sports Cards blog.

The Top NBA Playoff Contenders

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

They might have just suffered a shocking loss against the Hornets, but the OKC Thunder still holds the top Western Conference spot with a 30-7 record, giving them excellent odds for the 2026 NBA playoffs.

Will we see OKC Thunder spotlighted as the playoff winners in new sports card releases? Many signs point to yes. Alex Caruso has been an absolute (if underutilized) ace in the hole for the team this season, even when many had written them off with star Jalen Williams sitting it out. 

If OKC Thunder can tune up the faltering offense they displayed against the Hornets, they’ll be a solid lock for the top spot.

2. Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are another easy lock for 2026 NBA contenders, leading the Eastern Conference with a comfortable 27-9 record. They’re comfortably ahead of the Celtics’ 23-12 standings and leagues ahead of anyone else in the Eastern Conference with a WIN% of .750.

The Pistons have become one of the season’s biggest surprises and are fan favorites heading into the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Their offense might be a subject of critique in some circles, but they’re undeniably working with one of the best defenses in the entire league. In fact, expert Vincent Goodwill believes Isaiah Stewart might just be Defensive Player of the Year material! 

3. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are currently ranked second in the Western Conference rankings with a WIN% of .694, and they might just be headlining your next basketball card box if they can keep up their dual offense-defense threat. 

What makes the Spurs such an easy pick for the 2026 NBA playoffs aside from their 25-11 record? 

• Victor Wembanyama has been absolutely dominant this season, recent injury notwithstanding.
  
  
• De’Aaron Fox has proven he can put in the work, leading the team even with Wembanyama out of commission for now.
  
  
• The Spurs’ signature rebounding prowess and younger core players make them a huge threat against the defending champions.

4. Houston Rockets

These 2026 NBA contenders are currently racing ahead with a 22-11 record in the Western Conference with an incredible three-game consecutive win streak. Upcoming sports card releases might just feature the Rockets as winners this year if the team can make the most of its stacked lineup.

‘Stacked’ is putting it lightly, by the way. Kevin Durant shows no signs of slowing down, putting in a stellar performance against his former team in a recent game, and young defense star Amen Thompson will have all eyes on him in the 2026 NBA playoffs.

5. New York Knicks

Opinions on the Knicks’ odds for the playoffs are all over the place, depending on who you’re asking, but one thing remains clear: they’re in a solid place right now with a 23-13 Eastern Conference standing and have shown an ability to perform even with high-utility players like Josh Hart down for the count.

You can only get that kind of performance with a playoff-worthy roster. Coach Brown is getting his money’s worth out of virtually everyone on the team, with players like Mohamed Diawara getting an impressive 18 points in 18 minutes against the Pelicans.

6. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are showing immense potential for the 2026 NBA playoffs, currently sitting 4th on the Western Conference rankings with a 24-12 record. What makes them a top NBA contender in 2026? Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon are back in good shape, with Murray putting in all-star-worthy work already.

That said, it might also be too early to go all-in on Topps sports cards featuring Nuggets stars. Jokić’s extended injury puts a massive question mark on the team’s future as the playoffs near, and another injured star player could just bring the whole house of cards down.

Collect Your Playoff Stars Today

The 2026 NBA playoffs are set to send card values soaring, and now’s the best time to start investing if you’re looking to collect the season’s best. 

Whether you’re all-in on the underdogs or playing it safe with the defending champions, Giant Sports Cards has you covered with an elite rewards program, a massive inventory of sports card boxes, and shipping that’s faster than a Curry 3-pointer.

Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ with the ultimate sports card store today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will win the 2026 NBA Playoffs?

The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently the top picks to win the playoffs as defending champions. Other close contenders like the Pistons and Spurs are also popular choices for the top spot. 

Which team is the biggest surprise 2026 NBA contender?

The Pistons have easily been the biggest surprise of the season, clawing their way to a top spot on the Eastern Conference rankings with Cade Cunningham.

Which team outside of the top 5 could make a 2026 NBA playoffs push?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are still a solid threat despite their low Eastern Conference standing, especially with their recent win against the Nuggets. Players like Donovan Mitchell could make all the difference here.