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

The Portland Trail Blazers have clinched a playoff berth after overcoming an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Phoenix Suns 114-110, while the Charlotte Hornets advanced in the NBA's play-in tournament by edging the Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime. The Trail Blazers' victory secured them the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, setting up a first-round matchup against the No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs. Meanwhile, the Suns will 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 Hornets will next play the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers' game against the Orlando Magic. Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 41 points, including a crucial three-pointer with 16.1 seconds left, and 12 assists. The Suns had led 93-83 in the fourth quarter, but the Trail Blazers rallied behind Avdija's efforts. The Hornets, meanwhile, were led by LaMelo Ball, who scored 30 points and made the winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining in overtime. The Heat lost Bam Adebayo to injury early in the game but had led before the Hornets' comeback. The 2026 NBA playoffs will begin on Sky Sports this Sunday, with four live games scheduled.