The 2026 NBA playoffs reached the second round with eight teams remaining, including the Oklahoma City Thunder as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and the Detroit Pistons as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference [1]. Each conference has four teams facing off in best-of-seven series played in a 2-2-1-1-1 format, with no reseeding after each round [1].
The NBA Finals are scheduled to begin on June 3, 2026, with broadcasts airing on ABC [1]. The Eastern Conference semifinals continue this week, including Game 5 of Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on May 13 and Game 6 on May 15, with a potential Game 7 in Detroit on May 17 [1].
Meanwhile, the 2026 NBA Draft Combine began on May 11 in Chicago, with 117 players invited to participate in drills, measurements, athletic testing, medical exams, team interviews, and 5-on-5 scrimmages scheduled throughout the week [2, 3]. Top prospects include AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson [2, 3].
One standout at the combine was Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., who measured 6'2" barefoot, 186 pounds with a 6'7" wingspan, boosting his draft stock [3]. Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic said he is still deciding whether to stay in the draft or return to college ahead of the May 27 deadline. "I'm still focused on the draft. I haven't even talked to any colleges yet, but I'm sure if I have to go back, there is a spot open for me somewhere," Momcilovic said. He noted high team interest but no guaranteed contracts yet, and said if selected late, he might return to school [4].
Draft hopefuls have until 11:59 PM ET on May 27, 2026, to withdraw from the draft and return to college [3, 4].
