NBA Primer: A No. 1 Seed On The Brink
For only the second time in 14 years, a No. 1 seed in the NBA Playoffs could be ousted in the opening round. LeBron James also looks to get through to the second round for only the second time since Covid.
Here is your Lindy's NBA Primer for what to look for on April 28:
Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons (8 p.m. ET, Prime)
The eighth-seeded Magic are on the brink of a massive upset, just one win from eliminating the top-seeded Pistons. Orlando has been the better team defensively and in transition, capitalizing on Detroit's inconsistencies.
Orlando is shooting just 38.7% from the field during this series, but has made up for it by forcing over 10 steals per game. Paolo Banchero (21 ppg) and the Magic's length have the Pistons.
Detroit was 31-9 at home this season, the best mark in the Eastern Conference. Only once since 2012 has a No. 1 seed been knocked out in the first round (Miami over Milwaukee, 2023).
TorontoRaptors at Cleveland Cavaliers (8:30 p.m., ESPN)
Each team has held serve on the home court. The Cavaliers took Games 1 and 2 by double figures, then the Raptors won both games in Canada as underdogs.
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Now the series is back to Cleveland, and oddsmakers have firmly made the Cavs favorites (favored by 8.5 points here, similar to the opening two games). Toronto did sweep the regular-season series.
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Toronto has put the team on the shoulders of Scottie Barnes (25.8 ppg) and RJ Barrett (24.3). Cleveland has its own veteran stars in Donovan Mitchell (24.3) and James Harden (21.8). One team gains serious momentum on Wednesday.
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers (10 p.m. ET, ESPN)
LeBron James and the Lakers can close out the series at home and advance to the second round for only the second time since the title-winning lockdown year of 2020. They lead 3-1 and the Rockets again will go without Kevin Durant (ankle).
James leads the Lakers in scoring (21.5 ppg), rebounding (8.2) and assists (8.8). Luka Doncic is still likely a couple weeks from returning, but Austin Reaves (oblique) could make his 2026 postseason debut.
Alperen Sengun has given the Rockets a big boost in the paint, averaging 22.9 points and 10.3 rebounds. But the defense has been an issue; the Lakers are shooting a robust 50.9% on the series.
PittsburghPenguins at Philadelphia Flyers (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
The Penguins earned a 3-2 home win in Game 5, but still trail the best-of-7 series 3-2. Now the series goes back to Philly, where the teams split Games 3 and 4.
The Flyers have home advantage and momentum from stronger goaltending and better depth. The Penguins can lean on star veterans Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
A Flyers win ends the series; a Penguins victory forces a decisive Game 7 in Pittsburgh.
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This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 12:11 PM.