Trail Blazers Secure NBA Playoff Berth as Hornets Outlast Heat in Thrilling Overtime Matchup

The Portland Trail Blazers have officially clinched a spot in the NBA playoffs following a dramatic comeback victory against the Phoenix Suns, while the Charlotte Hornets advanced in the play-in tournament by edging out the Miami Heat in an intense overtime battle. The Trail Blazers' win over the Suns secured them the number seven seed in the Western Conference, setting them up to face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs. Deni Avdija played a crucial role in the Trail Blazers' win, scoring 41 points, including a decisive three-pointer with 16.1 seconds left, to lead his team to a 114-110 victory. In the Eastern Conference, the Hornets' win over the Heat has propelled them forward in the play-in tournament, where they will next face the loser of the matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic. LaMelo Ball scored the winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining in overtime to seal the Hornets' 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' matchup against the Spurs.