Trail Blazers Secure NBA Playoff Berth as Hornets Edge Out Heat in Thrilling Overtime

The Portland Trail Blazers have booked their spot in the NBA playoffs after staging a remarkable comeback to defeat the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets progressed in the play-in tournament with a nail-biting overtime victory against the Miami Heat. Deni Avdija was the hero for the Trail Blazers, scoring 41 points, including a crucial three-pointer with just 16.1 seconds remaining. His efforts helped the team rally from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win 114-110. The Blazers will now face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs as the No 7 seed in the Western Conference. In the Eastern Conference, the Hornets will next meet the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers vs Orlando Magic matchup after LaMelo Ball scored the winning layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime, securing a 127-126 win over the Heat. The 2026 NBA playoffs are set to begin on April 19, with Sky Sports broadcasting four live games, including the Trail Blazers' clash with the Spurs.