The NBA’s play-in tournament tips off Tuesday with two matchups that will determine whether four clubs keep their postseason hopes alive or clinch an immediate playoff berth.
Hornets host Heat in Eastern Conference 9-10 game
Charlotte opens the night at Spectrum Center against Miami. After a 11-23 start, the Hornets posted the league’s best net rating (+10.7) and a 33-15 record from January 2 through the end of the regular season, yet their early struggles left them ninth in the East.
Most sportsbooks list Miami as a six-point underdog, but the Heat finished just one game behind Charlotte and took the season series 3-1. Miami dealt with injuries—All-Star guard Tyler Herro appeared in only 33 games—and still ranked in the league’s top 14 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
Experience also favors the visitors: the Heat have earned playoff spots via the play-in tournament in each of the past three seasons, including a run from the No. 10 seed last year. Charlotte has not reached the playoffs since 2016 and lost its lone play-in appearance in 2022 by 29 points.
Suns welcome Trail Blazers in Western Conference 7-8 matchup
The late game features Phoenix and Portland at Footprint Center. The 45-37 Suns, four-point favorites, can secure the West’s No. 7 seed with a victory. Phoenix started 39-27 but went 6-10 down the stretch after an offseason that sent Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant elsewhere.
The 42-40 Trail Blazers closed the regular season on a 10-4 surge, highlighted by a crucial win over the Clippers on Friday that locked up the No. 8 seed. Portland’s roster blends veterans—NBA champion Jrue Holiday among them—with newcomers Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, Toumani Camara, Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson, none of whom have appeared in a playoff game.
Phoenix counters with seasoned postseason performers. Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks have combined for 76 playoff appearances, and rotation players Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and Jalen Green add further experience.
The winners move within one step—or directly into—the first round of the NBA playoffs, while the losers face elimination games later this week.
Source: Hoops Rumors
