The first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs has brought excitement and surprises. The Los Angeles Lakers are leading the Houston Rockets 3-1, with a crucial Game 5 set for Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder are dominating the Phoenix Suns, leading 3-0 and aiming for a third consecutive first-round sweep. In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons, the top seed, are struggling against the Orlando Magic, who lead the series 2-1, raising concerns about All-Star Jalen Duren's performance. The Boston Celtics have a commanding 3-1 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers, showcasing their shooting prowess, while the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks series is tied at 2-2, with both teams showing resilience. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors are also tied at 2-2, with both star players, James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, needing to step up. The playoffs continue to highlight individual performances, with players like Ayo Dosunmu of the Minnesota Timberwolves raising their stock, while others like Duren are struggling to meet expectations.