The NBA playoffs' second round is waiting on two G…

The first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs has provided a little bit of everything: a sweep, upsets, thrilling finishes and historic comebacks.

And for just the second time since the round went to best-of-7 in 2003, it has provided three Game 7s. (The 2014 playoffs’ opening round had five.)

This year, all the action is in the East. The Philadelphia 76ers knocked out the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of their series Saturday night and will play the New York Knicks in the second round.

Sunday’s Game 7 showdowns will decide the other conference semifinal matchup. The Detroit Pistons won the series over the Orlando Magic with a 116-94 win, and now await the winner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.

What drama will the last Game 7 provide? NBA insiders Jamal Collier and Zach Kram examine the keys to the series finale and what each team must do to advance.

Game 7 info
Sunday, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)
ESPN Analytics: CLE 60.1%

The Raptors win if they _____.

Turn Game 7 into a defensive battle. Toronto has prided itself on playing harder than Cleveland for most of this series, creating turnovers, diving for loose balls and winning with defense to close the talent gap. Toronto has gained a lot of confidence as the series has continued, its young players have settled in and its defensive intensity has increased. The Raptors will enter a Game 7 on the road, where all the pressure shifts to the home team. — Collier

The Cavaliers win if they _____.

Limit Toronto’s transition baskets. When Cleveland has avoided turnovers and prevented Toronto from racking up points in transition, the Raptors’ offense has stalled. The Cavs had only one turnover during their fourth-quarter rally in Game 6, and it was nearly enough to clinch the series.

The Cavs need more from star guards Donovan Mitchell and James Harden on offense, but the backcourt’s defense has mostly held the Raptors in check in the half court. If the Cavs can stop giving away easy baskets, they should secure another win at home to advance. — Collier

The X factor of Game 7 is _____.

Harden. His playoff track record is no secret, but the numbers are stunning nonetheless: In seven career Game 7s, Harden has averaged just 19.3 points on 35% shooting, including 22% on 3-pointers. He turned in a strong performance in his first career Game 7 — in 2011 with Oklahoma City — but has shot 41% or worse in every one since.

Harden’s season has ended in a Game 7 in three of the past five seasons; in 2023 and 2025, he failed to reach double digits in points.

Cleveland needs a better version of its point guard against Toronto’s stifling defense. Notably, Harden has scored more than 20 points in every win against the Raptors in this series, but he has been below 20 in every loss. — Kram