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

The Portland Trail Blazers have secured the No 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs after a remarkable comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns. Deni Avdija led the charge with 41 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the final seconds, as the Trail Blazers rallied from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win 114-110. The Suns will now face either the Los Angeles Clippers or the Golden State Warriors for a chance to claim the No 8 seed. In the Eastern Conference, the Charlotte Hornets have advanced in the play-in tournament with a 127-126 overtime win over the Miami Heat. LaMelo Ball scored the winning layup with 4.7 seconds left, while Miles Bridges sealed the victory with a block at the buzzer. The Hornets will next play the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers' matchup against the Orlando Magic. The Trail Blazers will face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, which begin on April 19. The 2026 NBA playoffs will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with four games scheduled for the opening day, including the Trail Blazers' matchup against the Spurs.