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

The Portland Trail Blazers have officially clinched a playoff spot following a dramatic comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns, while the Charlotte Hornets advanced in the NBA's play-in tournament with a nail-biting overtime win against 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 No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs. In the Eastern Conference, the Hornets will face the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic matchup in the play-in tournament. Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 41 points, including a crucial three-pointer with 16.1 seconds remaining, as they overcame an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Suns 114-110. Meanwhile, the Hornets edged out the Heat 127-126 in overtime, with LaMelo Ball scoring the winning layup with 4.7 seconds left. The 2026 NBA playoffs are set to begin on Sky Sports this Sunday, with four live games scheduled, including the Trail Blazers' matchup against the Spurs.