The 2026 NBA Playoffs start Saturday. Here's what to know

NPR | By Becky Sullivan

Published April 17, 2026 at 5:13 PM EDT

The NBA Playoffs begin Saturday, with the league's two best teams on the same side of the bracket. Meanwhile, for the league's worst teams, an all-time tanking season is finally over.

Becky Sullivan

Becky Sullivan has reported and produced for NPR since 2011 with a focus on hard news and breaking stories. She has been on the ground to cover natural disasters, disease outbreaks, elections and protests, delivering stories to both broadcast and digital platforms.

See stories by Becky Sullivan

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