Best Podcasts on NBA Playoffs Upsets
Updated: May 02, 2026 – 5 episodes
The first round of the NBA Playoffs has been marked by unexpected upsets and intense matchups, with several series going down to the wire. The Minnesota Timberwolves notably eliminated the Denver Nuggets, while the Philadelphia 76ers forced a Game 7 against the Boston Celtics. Other key series saw the New York Knicks dominate the Atlanta Hawks and the Houston Rockets push the Los Angeles Lakers to a Game 6.
The Bill Simmons Podcast has an intriguing take on the unpredictability of the NBA playoffs, focusing on team health and defensive capabilities. Start with their episode discussing the Knicks vs. Hawks series for a deep dive into potential upsets. The Zach Lowe Show also offers a compelling perspective, highlighting the competitiveness of lower-seeded teams like Charlotte. For a bold prediction, The Right Time with Bomani Jones argues that the Spurs could win it all this year due to increased parity from injuries. Lastly, Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective provide a critical look at star players' inconsistencies, particularly James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, making it a must-listen for understanding player dynamics.
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Ridealong has curated the best podcasts and clips about NBA playoffs first round sees unexpected upsets and thrilling game 7s. Listen now.
Podcast Episodes Covering This Story
“I mean, I think of all those series... I'm going to just park Lakers-Rockets over here, because we'll see who's healthy, who's not. I'm tempted to say Minnesota. I just don't have enough confidence in the state of their team over the last month. I guess Knicks Hawks, because I think the Hawks are interesting. I will pick the Knicks to win that series.”
Ridealong summary
The NBA playoffs are unpredictable, with potential upsets hinging on team health and defensive capabilities rather than just seeding.
“"I think any of those teams in those spots from five on down can win in the first round. I don't think there's anybody. I don't think Detroit or Boston who are going to be one and two more than likely. I don't think they're looking at any of those teams as, you know, that's a walkover... if I'm Boston, I'm at least like stay down there in nine, 10. And we're cool with that."”
Ridealong summary
The NBA playoffs are unpredictable with potential upsets, especially from teams like Charlotte, making the first round highly competitive and uncertain.
“I saw Celtics jerseys around town today... they're showing up though in road venues in a way that I don't remember that being the case in the past... it was way more this year than ever than ever even years after they won the title. It was strange totally I can agree with that because what I saw today was strange because it's a big game obviously Celtics Knicks.”
Ridealong summary
The Celtics' fan presence in road venues is unprecedented, even surpassing post-title years, highlighting a unique cultural shift despite their inconsistent season.
“I think the Spurs can win it this year and overcome that playoff inexperience because if there's one thing we've seen over the last few years in the league is that injuries are creating more parody. Injuries like the Indiana Pacers getting all the way to the conference finals two years ago and the NBA finals last year is much of a story as it is of Tyrese Halliburton and his amazing clutch play.”
Ridealong summary
The Spurs can win the NBA championship this year despite their playoff inexperience, as injuries are creating more parity in the league.
“This has really been a series that in my view totally personifies the James Harden Donovan Mitchell postseason experience... When you talk about James Harden in the playoffs, you don't talk about the games he played well. You talk about the spectacular flame outs that he's had. That's just a fact of the matter.”
Ridealong summary
The first round of the NBA playoffs highlights the inconsistency of star players like Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, overshadowing their occasional brilliance with frequent playoff struggles.