2026 NBA playoff picture starting with Play-In Tournament matchups
The Play-In Tournament matchups are set and so are four of the 2026 NBA playoffs first-round matchups.
The NBA playoff picture has taken shape. Now, all that has to be determined is what teams will be the seventh and eighth seeds in each conference. Those positions will be settled through the Play-In Tournament, which starts on Tuesday.
There will be one Eastern Conference game on Tuesday between the 10th-seeded Miami Heat and ninth-seed Charlotte Hornets. The other game that day pits the Portland Trail Blazers (8) and Phoenix Suns (7). On Wednesday, the Orlando Magic (8) visit the Philadelphia 76ers (7) and the Golden State Warriors (10) are at the Los Angeles Clippers (9).
How the Play-In works: Each conference’s No. 7 team will play host to the No. 8 team.
The winners secure the No. 7 seed. The losers get another chance to earn a playoff spot.