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

The Portland Trail Blazers have clinched a playoff spot following a thrilling comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns, while the Charlotte Hornets have progressed in the NBA's play-in tournament with an overtime win against the Miami Heat. The Trail Blazers' win ensured they secured the No 7 seed in the Western Conference, setting up a first-round matchup against the No 2 seed San Antonio Spurs. The Suns, meanwhile, 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 face the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers' meeting with the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament. Deni Avdija starred for the Trail Blazers, scoring 41 points, including a crucial three-pointer with 16.1 seconds left, as his team rallied from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win 114-110. The Hornets, meanwhile, edged out the Heat 127-126 in overtime, with LaMelo Ball scoring the winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining. The win was marred by an injury to the Heat's Bam Adebayo, who was forced out of the game after a collision with Ball. The 2026 NBA playoffs are set to begin on Sky Sports this Sunday, with four live games scheduled, including the Trail Blazers' matchup against the Spurs.