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

The Portland Trail Blazers have clinched a spot in the NBA playoffs following a thrilling comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns, while the Charlotte Hornets progressed in the play-in tournament with an overtime win against the Miami Heat. The Trail Blazers' Deni Avdija scored 41 points, including a crucial three-pointer, to help his team overcome an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter and secure a 114-110 win. 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 Hornets will play the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers' match against the Orlando Magic after LaMelo Ball scored the winning layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime to give his team a 127-126 victory over the Heat. The 2026 NBA playoffs will begin on Sky Sports this Sunday, with four live games scheduled, including the Portland Trail Blazers' first-round matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.