2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament: Tuesday's Matchups Previewed

Key storylines, players to watch, and predictions for the East and West play-in games

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:21pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form capturing the dynamic energy and tension of the play-in tournament.The 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament promises high-intensity, winner-take-all matchups that will reshape the playoff picture.Today in Miami

The opening night of the 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament will determine the No. 8 seeds in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Get ready for the action with previews and predictions for Tuesday's matchups between the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets, as well as the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns.

Why it matters

The play-in tournament has become an exciting part of the NBA postseason, giving teams on the bubble a chance to earn a playoff spot. These games will have major implications, as the winners advance to face higher-seeded teams, while the losers are eliminated from the playoffs.

The details

In the East, the Heat will visit the Hornets in a battle of two teams looking to secure the No. 8 seed. Miami will rely on the dominance of star center Bam Adebayo, while Charlotte will counter with its potent 3-point shooting led by LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel. In the West, the veteran-laden Suns host the young, energetic Trail Blazers, with the winner earning the No. 7 seed and a first-round matchup with the San Antonio Spurs.

  • The East matchup between the Heat and Hornets tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 13, 2026.
  • The West matchup between the Trail Blazers and Suns follows at 10 p.m. ET on the same night.

The players

Bam Adebayo

Miami Heat's star center who will look to exploit the Hornets' lack of an imposing big man.

LaMelo Ball

Charlotte Hornets' dynamic point guard who will need to lead his team's potent 3-point shooting attack.

Devin Booker

Phoenix Suns' veteran scoring leader who will be a central figure as the Suns look to secure the No. 7 seed.

Jrue Holiday

Portland Trail Blazers' veteran guard who will have the tough task of slowing down Booker.

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What they’re saying

“The Hornets were among the best teams in the NBA — no typo — over the last two months of the season, a surge that caught everyone by surprise.”

— Shaun Powell, NBA Writer

“This is a checkpoint for the many inexperienced players on the Blazers' roster, most of whom will get their first glimpse at the bright lights.”

— Shaun Powell, NBA Writer

What’s next

The winners of Tuesday's play-in games will advance to face higher-seeded teams in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs later this week.

The takeaway

The 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament promises to deliver high-stakes, win-or-go-home action as teams on the playoff bubble fight for the final postseason spots. These games will showcase rising young talent and veteran leadership, with the winners earning the right to continue their pursuit of an NBA championship.