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 114-110. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets progressed in the play-in tournament with a thrilling 127-126 overtime victory against the Miami Heat. The Trail Blazers' win guarantees them the No 7 seed in the Western Conference, setting up a first-round matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Deni Avdija played a pivotal role in the Trail Blazers' comeback, scoring 41 points, including a go-ahead three-pointer with 16.1 seconds remaining. The Hornets' LaMelo Ball scored the winning layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime, while Miles Bridges sealed the win with a block at the buzzer, eliminating the Heat from the playoffs. The 2026 NBA playoffs will commence on Sky Sports this Sunday, April 19, featuring four live games.