)
The toughest, shortest, and most unforgiving path to the playoffs begins. The NBA Play-In Tournament is back, with eight teams vying for the final postseason berths in a format that offers no room for error or second chances.
The action kicks off with the 9-10 seed matchups, where the losers are immediately eliminated, while the winners earn one last shot: a final showdown against the loser of the 7-8 seed game for the eighth and final playoff spot in each conference.
In the East, the Charlotte Hornets host the Miami Heat in a do-or-die game. Out West, the first clash features the Phoenix Suns against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The following day brings the 7-8 seed games, where the stakes are different: the winner advances directly to the playoffs, while the loser gets one more chance. The Philadelphia 76ers face the Orlando Magic in a series that pits experience against youth. In the West, the Los Angeles Clippers take on the Golden State Warriors in one of the tournament's heavyweight matchups, featuring players accustomed to high-stakes games.
Game Schedule
Early Wednesday, April 15
Eastern Conference 9-10 Game: Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat (2:30 AM ET)
Western Conference 7-8 Game: Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers (5:00 AM ET)
Early Thursday, April 16
Eastern Conference 7-8 Game: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic (2:30 AM ET)
Western Conference 9-10 Game: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors (5:00 AM ET)
Early Saturday, April 18
Eastern Conference 8th Seed Final (2:30 AM ET)
Loser of 76ers-Magic vs. Winner of Hornets-Heat
Western Conference 8th Seed Final (5:00 AM ET)
Loser of Suns-Blazers vs. Winner of Clippers-Warriors
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
&format=webp)