basketball

NBA play-in predictions: Heat-Hornets? Trail Blazers-Suns? Our takes on who will advance

By Yahoo Sports StaffYahoo Sports

Our writers break down Tuesday's high-stakes matchups and make their picks.

The 2026 NBA postseason is here! The play-in tournament tips off Tuesday with two high-stakes matchups. In the East, a couple of Southeast Division rivals will face off in an elimination game, as the No.

9 seed Charlotte Hornets host the No. 10 seed Miami Heat . The winner will advance with a shot at earning the No.

8 seed on Friday against either the Philadelphia 76ers or Orlando Magic. The loser will go home. In the West, the No.

7 seed Phoenix Suns will host the No. 8 seed Portland Trail Blazers in a battle of teams that have exceeded expectations this season. The winner will earn the No.

Continue to the original source for the full article.