Blazers Secure Playoff Spot as Hornets Advance in Play-in Tournament

The Portland Trail Blazers have secured a spot in the NBA playoffs after a comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns, while the Charlotte Hornets have advanced in the play-in tournament with a nail-biting overtime win over the Miami Heat. The Blazers' win over the Suns guaranteed them the No 7 seed in the Western Conference, setting up a first-round matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Deni Avdija led the Blazers with 41 points, including a crucial three-pointer with 16.1 seconds left, to overcome an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter. In the Eastern Conference, the Hornets will face the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers' meeting with the Orlando Magic after their 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. The 2026 NBA playoffs will begin on Sky Sports this Sunday, with four live games scheduled.