Eastern Conference Playoffs Shake-Up
The first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs brought a surprising twist, especially with the Boston Celtics, the second seed, suffering an unexpected loss. It’s made things rather unpredictable in the Eastern Conference this year.
The competition is tight in the East, and Boston’s exit puts three players in the running for the Larry Bird Award. Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks is currently leading as the favorite, boasting an impressive average of over 26 points per game against Atlanta. His reliable performance has given the Knicks a significant edge, transforming them into serious contenders for the conference title.
Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham from the Detroit Pistons is closely trailing Brunson after a stellar opening game against Orlando. Despite Detroit being down 3-1 in the series, Cunningham stepped up, averaging 36.3 points per game in the last three games, boosting his team’s morale. He’s currently at +200, just behind Brunson.
Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers is in third place in the Eastern Conference Finals MVP race. Cleveland made it past Toronto in the first round, but Mitchell faced challenges, finishing with 23.1 points per game on 43% shooting, compared to his regular season stats of 27.9 points and 48% shooting. He and Cunningham are on a collision course for the second round, with the victor likely seeing a notable market boost.
Even though some players’ odds have decreased, there remain All-Stars who could capture the attention in the playoffs. Karl-Anthony Towns, for instance, improved the Knicks’ defense while containing the Hawks. However, his lower scoring in the series—trailing behind Brunson and OG Anunoby—might hurt his chances of clinching the series MVP.
As for the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid will need to stay healthy and overcome the Knicks to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. He’s been a powerhouse, averaging 29 points per game in his series against Boston.
Tyrese Maxey, another key player for the 76ers, will also need to defeat New York to be in the MVP conversation. If his dynamic showing against Boston is any indication—averaging just under 27 points—he’s definitely a player to watch.
Finally, keep an eye on other candidates for the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, including the Knicks’ versatile OG Anunoby, James Harden from the Cavaliers, and Evan Mobley, also from Cleveland.
