The Boston Celtics are out. The seven-seeded Philadelphia 76ers eliminated the second-seeded Celtics 109-100 in Game 7 to complete the biggest upset of the 2026 NBA Playoffs and confirm the Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup of Knicks vs 76ers. Combined with the Lakers, Thunder, Spurs, and Timberwolves all advancing to Round 2, the Conference Semifinals are nearly set.
Here is the complete guide to NBA Round 2 for Australian fans — every confirmed matchup, every game time in AEST, and how to watch on Kayo, ESPN, NBA League Pass, and Prime Video.
The Headline — Celtics Eliminated, Knicks vs 76ers Confirmed
Boston was a championship favourite entering the 2026 playoffs. After leading the series 3-2 with Game 7 at home, they collapsed in stunning fashion — losing Games 6 and 7 to a Philadelphia 76ers team that has now turned a Cinderella run into a serious title threat.
The 76ers are the first 7-seed to win a Game 7 against a 2-seed in the NBA in over a decade.
For Round 2, that means New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals — a series that begins Tuesday May 5 at 10:00am AEST.
NBA Round 2 — Confirmed Matchups
Eastern Conference Semifinals
(3) New York Knicks vs (7) Philadelphia 76ers The Knicks are arguably the favourite to come out of the East now that Boston is gone. New York closed out Atlanta with a 51-point Game 6 demolition (140-89) on Friday and have been resting since. Meanwhile, the 76ers ground through seven gruelling games against Boston, including back-to-back wins in Games 6 and 7. Rest will be a massive factor — the Knicks have had four full days off, while the 76ers played their seventh game of Round 1 on Sunday morning AEST.
Winner of (4) Cleveland Cavaliers / (5) Toronto Raptors vs winner of (1) Detroit Pistons / (8) Orlando Magic Two Game 7s on Monday May 4 AEST will set the other Eastern Conference Semifinal. The eight-seed Magic stunned the top-seeded Pistons early in their series and remain a Cinderella story. Detroit is favoured 75.6% in their Game 7, Cleveland 74.6%.
Western Conference Semifinals
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (4) Los Angeles Lakers The biggest storyline in the West. The Thunder swept the Suns 4-0 and have been resting since April 28. The Lakers had to grind through a six-game series with Houston, including a Game 5 upset loss before closing it out 4-2. Vegas has OKC as a 90.9% favourite to win Game 1.
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (6) Minnesota Timberwolves The Spurs eliminated Portland 4-1 and have been waiting for an opponent. Minnesota stunned Denver in six to advance, with Anthony Edwards leading the charge. SAS enters Game 1 as an 88.2% favourite.
NBA Round 2 Schedule (AEST)
Knicks vs 76ers (NEW — set after Celtics elimination)
| Game | AEST | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 10:00am | Tue May 5 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 2 | 9:00am | Thu May 7 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 3 | 9:00am | Sat May 9 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 4 | TBD | Mon May 11 | TBD |
Lakers vs Thunder
| Game | AEST | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 10:30am | Wed May 6 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 2 | 11:30am | Fri May 8 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 3 | 10:30am | Sun May 10 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 4 | 5:30am | Mon May 11 | TBD |
Spurs vs Timberwolves
| Game | AEST | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 11:30am | Tue May 5 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 2 | 11:30am | Thu May 7 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 3 | 11:30am | Sat May 9 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 4 | TBD | Mon May 11 | TBD |
CLE/TOR vs DET/ORL
Schedule confirmed once Monday’s two Game 7s are decided.
What Does the Celtics Elimination Mean for the East?
Boston’s exit completely reshapes the Eastern Conference path to the Finals:
1. The Knicks become favourites in the East. With the Celtics gone, the Knicks are the best team remaining and a legitimate NBA Finals contender. They have rest, momentum, and matchup advantages.
2. The 76ers ride momentum. Beating the Celtics in 7 games is the kind of run that propels teams further than expected. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey are playing the best basketball of the playoffs.
3. The Eastern Semifinal opponents face fatigue questions. Whoever wins Pistons/Magic and Cavaliers/Raptors Game 7s will be drained heading into Round 2. The well-rested Knicks have a major advantage over fatigued opponents.
4. The title odds shift West. With Boston out, the OKC Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and Lakers all see improved title odds. The West now has four legitimate Finals contenders to the East’s two.
How to Watch NBA Round 2 in Australia
Kayo Sports & ESPN Australia
Every Round 2 game on ESPN or ABC in the US is live on Kayo and ESPN Australia. That covers most of the headline matchups including all of Knicks vs 76ers and Lakers vs Thunder. From around $35 AUD per month for Kayo Basic.
NBA League Pass
Every Round 2 game is on League Pass for Australian fans, including TNT-broadcast games not on Kayo. League Pass also offers multiple commentary feeds, replays, and the full broadcast experience. Around $200-$300 AUD for the full season pass, or monthly options available.
Prime Video Australia
Selected NBA games are available on Prime Video Australia. Round 2 Prime Video coverage is typically limited to specific games rather than the full slate. Around $9.99 AUD per month, or included with Amazon Prime membership.
ESPN Australia (via Foxtel)
If you have ESPN through Foxtel, Fetch, or another bundled package, you can watch the same NBA games as Kayo. Most Australians find Kayo the cheaper standalone option.
Conference Finals & NBA Finals 2026
After Round 2 wraps in mid-late May, the Conference Finals begin around Tuesday May 19, with the NBA Finals starting Thursday June 4 at 10:30am AEST. Every Conference Finals and NBA Finals game will be on Kayo Sports, ESPN Australia, and NBA League Pass.
Key Storylines for Round 2
Knicks vs 76ers — Boston’s shadow: The Knicks were already title contenders; with Boston gone, they may have the easiest path to the Finals of any team. The 76ers are riding the high of their Game 7 win but must overcome serious fatigue.
Lakers vs Thunder — David vs Goliath: Vegas heavily favours OKC. Can a rested Thunder team handle the LeBron-led Lakers? The Thunder swept their Round 1 series and look the most complete team in the league.
Spurs vs Wolves — Edwards vs Wembanyama: Two teams nobody predicted in the West semis. Anthony Edwards vs Victor Wembanyama is the matchup of the playoffs so far.
Eastern Game 7 chaos: Two Game 7s on Monday will create more fatigued teams entering Round 2 — bad news for whoever advances against the rested Knicks.
Australian Tipoff Times Explained
Most NBA Round 2 games tip off in the morning AEST — between 9:00am and 12:00pm. This is one of the best benefits of being an Australian NBA fan: most games are live during waking hours, easy to catch over breakfast or during a lunch break, with full replays available the same day on Kayo and NBA League Pass.
For the full live schedule with up-to-the-minute game times, check our US Sports TV Guide homepage — updated every 60 seconds with current scores.
Related Articles
- Celtics Eliminated by 76ers in Game 7 — Full Recap
- How to Watch NBA in Australia 2026
- NBA Playoffs 2026 Australia — Full Schedule
Published 3 May 2026. All times AEST (Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane). Schedules subject to change based on Game 7 outcomes.
