NBA play-in tournament: Results, best moments from Tuesday’s gamesESPN staffApr 15, 2026, 12:55 AM ETMultiple Authors
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The NBA play-in tournament delivered on Tuesday as four teams vied for a playoff spot.
First, the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets faced off in the Eastern Conference’s 9-10 matchup. Charlotte came out on top 127-126, and it will play the loser of Wednesday’s 7-8 game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers for the No. 8 seed in the playoffs.
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It seemed as if the Heat were in prime position for a victory, up four points with 28 seconds left in regulation. Following a Brandon Miller 3-pointer to make it a one-point game, Tyler Herro hit two free throws to extend the lead. However, Charlotte forced overtime after Coby White hit a fadeaway 3-pointer to tie the score and Herro missed a 3-pointer.
Miami had another chance to win in overtime, going up by one with 8.7 seconds left. But Charlotte guard LaMelo Ball attacked the basket for a layup and Miami’s ensuing chance to win was blocked.
Ball led the all scorers with 30 points, while Miles Bridges added 28 for the Hornets. Davion Mitchell registered a team-high 28 points for the Heat, and Andrew Wiggins had 27.
The Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns closed out the night in a Western Conference 7-8 battle. Portland defeated Phoenix 114-110 to play the No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs in the first round, while Phoenix will face either the LA Clippers or the Golden State Warriors in the second game of the play-in.
After the Suns went up 10 early in the fourth, the Trail Blazers clawed back to go up one with 1:53 remaining. Phoenix went ahead the following possession and Portland retook the lead with 37.3 seconds before Phoenix answered to go ahead. Deni Avdija then hit an and-one layup on the ensuing possession to retake the lead. Down two with 16.1 ticks left, Portland stopped Phoenix to win the game
Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 41 points along with 12 assists and 7 rebounds and Jrue Holiday added 22. The Suns were led by 35 points from Jalen Green and 22 from Devin Booker.
Here are the top moments from Tuesday’s NBA play-in tournament doubleheader.
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