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

The Portland Trail Blazers have clinched a playoff spot after a comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns, while the Charlotte Hornets have advanced in the NBA's play-in tournament with an overtime win against the Miami Heat. The Trail Blazers' win secured them the No 7 seed in the Western Conference, and they will face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round. The Hornets will next play the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers' meeting with the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament. Deni Avdija scored 41 points, including a go-ahead three-pointer, as the Trail Blazers rallied from an 11-point deficit to beat the Suns 114-110. LaMelo Ball scored the winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining to give the Hornets a 127-126 overtime win against the Heat. The 2026 NBA playoffs will begin on Sky Sports this Sunday, with four live games on Sky Sports Action from 6pm onwards.