The NBA playoffs consist of 16 teams split evenly into two conferences, the Eastern and Western, from around the United States. These teams feature top basketball players from different states as well as international players.

They have better odds than the Cavaliers, who are +375, and the Pistons, who still sit at +500 despite a strong start to their season. Last week, the Knicks owned +375 odds, while the Cavaliers were the favorites at +325.

The 2026 NBA playoffs will begin on April 18. The 2025-26 regular season wraps up on April 12, giving teams a short break before the postseason tips off. The Play-In Tournament, introduced in 2021 to keep more teams competitive and reduce tanking, determines the final two playoff spots in each conference.

The Magic, Heat, Raptors, Suns and Spurs will round out the mini-tournament. It seems like Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the NBA Cup, but MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may be back for Oklahoma City soon.

Stephen A. Smith was hyped up after the New York Knicks won the 2025 NBA Cup, making a bold prediction for their future. After his favorite team won the 2025 NBA Cup Finals, New York Knicks superfan Stephen A. Smith is elated, which comes as a surprise to no one.

The San Antonio Spurs star learned of the loss ahead of the Cup final against the Knicks.

The New York Knicks are hitting all the right notes — under new head coach Mike Brown, they’re singing a brand new hit. Twenty-five games into the 2025 NBA season, the Knicks stand tall with an 18-7 record.

The New York Knicks face the Orlando Magic and the San Antonio Spurs battle the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup Semifinals on Saturday, Dec. 13.