Trail Blazers clinch No. 8 seed with win over Kings

Portland secures play-in spot, will face Suns on Tuesday

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vibrant, expressionist painting depicting the fast-paced action of a basketball game, with players' figures dissolving into colorful, energetic brushstrokes that capture the raw emotion and athleticism of the sport.The Trail Blazers' victory over the Kings showcases the intensity and excitement of the NBA's play-in tournament.Today in Sacramento

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings 122-110 on Sunday night to clinch the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference and a spot in the play-in tournament. Deni Avdija led the Blazers with 25 points and 10 assists, while Jrue Holiday added 23 points. The Kings, who tied the Utah Jazz for last place in the West at 22-60, were led by Precious Achiuwa's 27 points and 11 rebounds.

Why it matters

This win secures the Trail Blazers' spot in the play-in tournament, where they will face the seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. The winner of that game will advance to face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.

The details

The Blazers pulled away in the second quarter, taking a 77-57 lead into halftime. The Kings made a run in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 10 points, but Portland was able to maintain its lead and close out the game.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The Blazers will face the Suns in the play-in tournament on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Deni Avdija

A forward for the Portland Trail Blazers who had 25 points and 10 assists in the game.

Jrue Holiday

A guard for the Portland Trail Blazers who scored 23 points in the game.

Precious Achiuwa

A forward for the Sacramento Kings who had 27 points and 11 rebounds in the game.

Nique Clifford

A guard for the Sacramento Kings who scored 24 points in the game.

Maxime Raynaud

A forward for the Sacramento Kings who scored 21 points in the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We knew this was a big game for us, and the guys really stepped up and played hard. I'm proud of the effort and the way we were able to secure the playoff spot.”

— Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers Forward

What’s next

The Trail Blazers will travel to Phoenix to face the Suns in the play-in tournament on Tuesday, April 15, 2026. The winner of that game will advance to the first round of the playoffs to face the San Antonio Spurs.

The takeaway

The Trail Blazers' victory over the Kings secures their spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament, where they will have a chance to earn a first-round playoff berth. This game showcased the team's depth and resilience, as they were able to withstand a second-half comeback by the Kings to clinch the important win.