Trail Blazers Defeat Kings, Clinch 8th Seed and Play-In Spot

Deni Avdija's 25 points and 10 assists lead Portland to 122-110 victory over Sacramento.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vibrant, expressionist painting depicting the fast-paced action and energy of a basketball game, with players' movements and the ball rendered in a blur of neon colors and energetic brushstrokes.The Trail Blazers' thrilling victory over the Kings showcases the intensity and excitement of the NBA's playoff push.New Haven Today

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings 122-110 to clinch the 8th seed in the Western Conference and a spot in the NBA play-in tournament. Deni Avdija led the way for Portland with 25 points and 10 assists, while Jrue Holiday added 23 points.

Why it matters

This win secures the Trail Blazers' place in the play-in round, giving them a chance to earn a spot in the NBA playoffs. The Kings, meanwhile, will miss the postseason entirely after a disappointing season.

The details

In the victory, the Trail Blazers were led by a strong performance from Deni Avdija, who scored 25 points and dished out 10 assists. Jrue Holiday also had a big game for Portland, contributing 23 points. The Kings were unable to keep pace, despite getting solid efforts from their own star players.

  • The game was played on April 13, 2026.

The players

Deni Avdija

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

Jrue Holiday

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

Sacramento Kings

The opposing team that was defeated by the Trail Blazers, missing the playoffs this season.

Portland Trail Blazers

The NBA team that clinched the 8th seed in the Western Conference and a spot in the play-in tournament with this win.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Trail Blazers' win over the Kings secures their place in the NBA play-in tournament, giving them a chance to earn a spot in the playoffs. This result highlights the competitive nature of the Western Conference, where every game down the stretch is crucial for teams fighting for postseason positioning.