The Phoenix Suns were the last team in the Western Conference to book their ticket to the NBA playoffs after defeating the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament.
With the first through eighth seeds being set, the bracket for the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs is now clear. Today, we will be predicting the teams that are likely to come out of the first round in the Western Conference.
NBA Playoff Predictions: OKC Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns
The OKC Thunder are heavy favorites to come out of the first round against the Phoenix Suns. While the Thunder has been amongst the best teams in the league this season, there are some question marks surrounding the team in the playoffs.
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been excellent, his teammates have been inconsistent at times. The Thunder’s playoff success this season could come down to Jalen Williams’ health and Chet Holmgren’s initiative on offense.
Meanwhile, the Suns have a sort of X-factor in Jalen Green, whom they acquired in a trade involving Kevin Durant last summer. Solid play from Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Green could see Phoenix make this series interesting.
Our prediction: The Thunder to win
NBA Playoff Predictions: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets
The Los Angeles Lakers were on a roll toward the end of the season, finishing 24-5 in their last 29 games of the regular season. Their first-round series against the Rockets would have made for an entertaining watch, headlined by LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Kevin Durant.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, the team will have to rely on 41-year-old James to lead the charge as both Doncic and Austin Reaves are sidelined for the first round with injuries.
However, Durant is also listed as questionable for Game 1, presenting James and Co. with the perfect opportunity to take the advantage if he sits out.
Our prediction: The Rockets to win
NBA Playoff Predictions: Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets will play their third postseason series against each other in the last four years. Both teams have won a series each, with Minnesota knocking Denver out in the second round in 2024 and Denver doing the same in the first round in 2023.
While they look evenly tied on paper, the Nuggets have seemingly been the better team this season, even winning their regular-season series against Minnesota 3-1.
Moreover, the Timberwolves have taken a step back on defense this season, slipping from fifth place in defensive rating in 2024-25 to eighth in 2025-26.
NBA Playoff Predictions: San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers found momentum toward the end of the regular season, winning three straight to grab the No. 7 seed in the West after being an under .500 team for most of the regular season. Meanwhile, the Spurs have been one of the best teams in the league throughout the season, finishing second in the West with a 62-20 record.
Furthermore, Victor Wembanyama did not participate in any of the Blazers-Spurs matchups during the regular season, meaning Portland will get its first taste of how the 7-foot-4 center matches up with its players.
The Trail Blazers did showcase their ability to win on the road, taking down the Spurs in January, and could steal a game in this first-round matchup.
Read More: Top 5 Players Injured Out Ahead of 2026 NBA Playoffs
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