The Hoop Genius Podcast

S6 Ep52: Every 2026 NBA Playoff Series Predicted: Our Full Bracket Picks

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The play-in is done, the bracket is set, and Mo and Coach Brendan Suhr are going through every single first-round series live, just minutes after the Warriors went down to the Phoenix Suns. Eight series. Eight predictions. Game counts and X-factors for all of them. 

They also get into whether Steve Kerr's farewell embrace in the closing minutes was a goodbye, what Victor Wembanyama's first playoffs could look like, and Doc Rivers' reported retirement - including the personal story of how Brendan convinced him to get into coaching decades ago.

Plus: Cade Cunningham and Luka Doncic eligible for NBA awards despite the rule, Brendan's frustration with Rookie of the Year media predictions, and the fact that this podcast reported Luka's potential early return before anyone else.

Topics covered:

  • Play-in recap: Magic over Hornets (East), Suns over Warriors (West)
  • Steve Kerr: reading the goodbye in real time
  • Pistons vs Magic: full series prediction and X factor
  • Cavaliers vs Raptors: full series prediction and X factor
  • Knicks vs Hawks: full series prediction and X factor
  • Celtics vs 76ers: full series prediction and Jaylen Brown's injury status
  • OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns: Mo goes sweep, Brendan says five
  • Lakers vs Rockets: both pick Houston, KD injury clouds things
  • Nuggets vs Timberwolves: the hardest series to call in the first round
  • Spurs vs Trail Blazers: Wembanyama's moment to announce himself
  • Doc Rivers retirement: career retrospective and Brendan's personal story
  • Cade Cunningham and Luka Doncic NBA awards eligibility
  • Cooper Flagg and the Rookie of the Year debate

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