Blazers Secure Playoff Spot as Hornets Advance in Thrilling Overtime Win

The Portland Trail Blazers have clinched a playoff spot after staging a remarkable comeback to defeat the Phoenix Suns, while the Charlotte Hornets have advanced in the NBA's play-in tournament with a nail-biting overtime victory over the Miami Heat. The Trail Blazers' win secured them the No 7 seed in the Western Conference, setting up a first-round matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Deni Avdija starred for the Blazers, scoring 41 points, including a crucial three-pointer with 16.1 seconds left, as they rallied from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win 114-110. In the Eastern Conference, the Hornets will next face the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers' meeting with the Orlando Magic after their 127-126 overtime win over the Heat. LaMelo Ball scored the winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining, while Miles Bridges sealed the win with a block at the buzzer, eliminating the Heat from the playoffs. The 2026 NBA playoffs begin on Sky Sports this Sunday, with four live games scheduled, including the Trail Blazers' first-round matchup against the Spurs.