Portland Trail Blazers Secure NBA Playoff Berth as Charlotte Hornets Advance in Play-in Tournament

The Portland Trail Blazers have clinched a spot in the NBA playoffs after overcoming an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets progressed in the play-in tournament with a thrilling overtime victory against the Miami Heat. Deni Avdija played a pivotal role for the Trail Blazers, scoring 41 points, including a decisive three-pointer with 16.1 seconds left, to seal a 114-110 win. The Hornets, on the other hand, edged the Heat 127-126, with LaMelo Ball scoring the winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining in overtime. The Trail Blazers will face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs as the No. 7 seed, while the Hornets will play the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic matchup. The 2026 NBA playoffs are set to begin on April 19, with four live games on Sky Sports Action.