The NBA’s last two playoff openings will be filled Friday, April 17, when Charlotte visits Orlando and Phoenix hosts Golden State in the final round of the 2026 play-in tournament.
Hornets at Magic, 7:00 p.m. ET
Charlotte arrives in Orlando after edging Miami in overtime on Tuesday. Since January 3 the Hornets are 33-15 with a +10.7 net rating, while the Magic finished 26-21 with a +0.2 mark. Oddsmakers list Charlotte as a 3.5-point favorite despite Orlando’s home-court advantage.
Three-point volatility remains a concern for the visitors. The Hornets led the league with 16.4 made threes per game during the regular season, yet Kon Knueppel and LaMelo Ball combined to shoot 2-for-22 from deep against the Heat. Charlotte’s roster also lacks extensive postseason experience; a late overtime turnover by Ball nearly cost the club Tuesday.
Warriors at Suns, 9:30 p.m. ET
Phoenix, a three-point favorite, finished 25-16 at Mortgage Matchup Center, while Golden State went 15-26 on the road. The Suns exceeded preseason projections but struggled after the All-Star break, relying heavily on Devin Booker, who has faltered in fourth quarters during that span.
Golden State enters with momentum. Stephen Curry’s return from a knee injury sparked Wednesday’s 118-110 win over the Clippers; he scored 35 points and hit seven three-pointers, while Draymond Green’s defense limited Kawhi Leonard. The Warriors also won the season series with Phoenix, 3-1.
Injuries could influence the nightcap. The Warriors remain without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody and will sit Quinten Post (right foot). Kristaps Porzingis is questionable with right ankle soreness. For Phoenix, Grayson Allen (left hamstring) and Mark Williams (left foot) are also questionable; any of the three may play at less than full strength.
Fan polling on Hoops Rumors drew 52 votes on which clubs will claim the No. 8 seeds, with results to be updated after Friday’s double-header.
Source: Hoops Rumors
