#370: 2026 Playoff preview
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In this comprehensive 2026 NBA Playoff Preview, hosts Ben and Cody explore the landscape of the upcoming postseason, spotlighting the four primary championship contenders: the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Celtics are lauded for their possession dominance and disciplined execution, though concerns linger over Jason Tatum’s shot selection and Derek White’s playoff shooting. The Spurs emerge as a rising force, fueled by Victor Wemby’s historic on-court impact, with speculation that his rise could signal the start of a GOAT-caliber career. The Nuggets’ offensive firepower, led by Jokic and Murray, is deemed nearly unguardable, while the Thunder’s success remains heavily tied to Shea Gildas Alexander’s health and performance. The discussion also highlights the Pistons’ physical, rebound-heavy style as a potential upset threat, and underscores the importance of bench depth, marginal execution, and coaching adjustments in tight series. As the conversation expands, the hosts analyze the Cavaliers’ explosive but inconsistent Donovan Mitchell, the Lakers’ slim chances against the Rockets, and the unpredictable nature of playoff dynamics, including officiating shifts and momentum swings. The play-in tournament is celebrated for its drama and potential for breakout performances, with the Clippers-Warriors matchup seen as a possible early showdown that could be cut short by a must-face encounter with the Thunder. Despite personal favorites like the Spurs, both hosts ultimately settle on the Thunder as the plurality favorite, citing their depth and resilience, even as the unpredictability of the playoffs looms large.
The Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, and Oklahoma City Thunder are the top four championship contenders, with the Thunder favored despite increased competition.
Victor Wemby’s dominant play may mark the beginning of a GOAT-caliber playoff run, elevating the Spurs as a dark horse.
Execution, bench depth, and coaching adjustments—especially in high-pressure moments like out-of-bounds plays and defensive schemes—will be decisive in close series.
Donovan Mitchell’s 'Super Saiyan' bursts can carry the Cavaliers in short bursts, but lack of depth and consistency limits their long-term playoff ceiling.
The Lakers’ chances against the Rockets are minimal (8–12%) due to roster limitations, even with mythical contributions from Helio LeBron.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Four Inner Circle Contenders
“I think the four teams that will win the NBA championship are the Oklahoma City Thunder, the San Antonio Spurs, the Denver Nuggets, or from the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics.”
Boston Celtics: Execution Kings Under Pressure
“The Celtics have been an incredible team and the way they've done it is really fascinating, but that cuts both ways.”
Victor Wemby and the Spurs' Uncharted Potential
“I'm dead serious about this. Like if Victor Wemby, and I believe that his highest level is to be the greatest basketball player that has ever played in the NBA. And if that is the case, at some point he's going to go on that run.”
Cleveland Cavaliers: Potential vs. Reality
“Donovan Mitchell is maybe the most underrated Super Saiyan in the NBA.”
The Lakers vs. Rockets Showdown: A David vs. Goliath Fantasy
“I think the odds that the Lakers could be up 2-1 are probably higher than they win the whole series.”
“I'm dead serious about this. Like if Victor Wemby, and I believe that his highest level is to be the greatest basketball player that has ever played in the NBA. And if that is the case, at some point he's going to go on that run.”
“I actively want that to happen. OKC people be offended? We're like the only podcast in the last two years that has positively spoken about the Oklahoma City Thunder.”
“I think the thunder repeating this year. I shouldn't be. OK, here's the sadness. I don't want to see people to be offended. Cards on the table, I think it would be really cool if the Spurs won it all.”
Hosts
Oklahoma City Thunder
other
Victor Wemby
person
Boston Celtics
other
San Antonio Spurs
other
Denver Nuggets
other
Jason Tatum
person
Cody
person
Ben
person
donovan mitchell
person
cleveland cavaliers
other
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