NBA Playoffs 2026: Three Game 7s Set to Decide East Semifinals The first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs has delivered a mix of historic comebacks, upsets, and dramatic finishes, culminating in three Game 7 showdowns for the first time since the round adopted a best-of-seven format in 2003. The East Conference will host all three decisive matchups, with the New York Knicks set to face the winner of the Boston Celtics-Philadelphia 76ers series. Meanwhile, the other semifinal matchup will be determined by Sunday’s Detroit Pistons-Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers-Toronto Raptors games. The Pistons’ Game 7 against the Orlando Magic will take place on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The Magic, who scored the fewest points in a half in NBA playoff history during Game 1, face a critical challenge without star guard Franz Wagner, who is sidelined due to a right calf strain. ESPN analysts emphasize that the Magic’s success hinges on their physicality, particularly in the paint. In Game 1, Jalen Suggs’ defensive intensity, Wendell Carter Jr.’s presence, and Paolo Banchero’s balance between scoring and playmaking set the tone. However, the absence of Wagner forces role players like Tristan da Silva, Anthony Black, and Jamal Cain to step up. The Pistons, meanwhile, must rely on their suffocating defense to avoid another stunning comeback. Cade Cunningham, the team’s best player, will need support from Duren inside, who must dominate the paint to neutralize the Magic’s frontcourt. The Pistons’ struggles from beyond the arc—ranking last in 3-point makes and percentage during the playoffs—add pressure, though analysts suggest a breakthrough in Game 7 could shift momentum. In the Raptors-Cavaliers series, the Game 7 on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock will test Toronto’s defensive resilience.#boston_celtics #new_york_knicks #philadelphia_76ers #detroit_pistons #nba_playoffs_2026
