Miami Heat Return to NBA Play-In Tournament

Heat look to extend playoff streak, but won't face Chicago Bulls this time

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the intensity of an NBA playoff battle, with sharp, overlapping planes representing the high-stakes competition.The high-stakes, win-or-go-home nature of the NBA play-in tournament is captured in a dynamic, cubist-inspired illustration.Chicago Today

For the fourth consecutive season, the Miami Heat have clinched a spot in the NBA's play-in tournament, where they will need to win two road games this week to extend their playoff streak. The Heat have used the play-in as a springboard to the playoffs in each of the last three years, beating the Chicago Bulls each time. However, the Bulls are not part of this year's play-in field, which includes Charlotte, Orlando, Philadelphia, Golden State, the Los Angeles Clippers, Portland, and Phoenix.

Why it matters

The play-in tournament has become an unwanted tradition for the Heat, who have embraced the high-stakes, win-or-go-home format as a chance to prove their competitiveness. Miami's ability to navigate the play-in round has been a key factor in their recent playoff runs, and their continued presence in the event highlights the team's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

The details

The Heat will face the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the play-in tournament, with the winner advancing to an elimination game on Friday. Miami has dominated the season series against Charlotte, winning three of the four matchups by an average margin of 23 points. The Heat's experience in the play-in, with 11 players having been part of four previous play-in victories, could give them an edge over the Hornets, who have only two players with prior play-in experience.

  • The play-in tournament games will take place this week, with the Heat-Hornets matchup scheduled for Tuesday.

The players

Erik Spoelstra

Head coach of the Miami Heat, who has embraced the high-stakes nature of the play-in tournament as a chance for his team to prove their competitiveness.

Tyler Herro

Miami Heat guard, who has been part of four previous play-in victories for the team.

Bam Adebayo

Miami Heat center, who has also been part of four previous play-in victories for the team.

LaMelo Ball

Charlotte Hornets guard, who has only been part of the play-in tournament once before.

Miles Bridges

Charlotte Hornets forward, who has also only been part of the play-in tournament once before.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's harrowing. It's nuts. You have to absolutely embrace it. It makes you feel alive, that's for sure, if you're a competitor.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat

“It's a great achievement.”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach, Los Angeles Clippers

What’s next

The winner of the Heat-Hornets matchup will advance to an elimination game on Friday, where they will face the loser of the Philadelphia-Orlando game. The winner of that game will secure the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The takeaway

The Heat's continued presence in the play-in tournament highlights the team's resilience and adaptability, as they have used the high-stakes format as a springboard to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. While the Bulls are not part of this year's play-in field, the Heat will face a tough test against the Hornets, who have a young and talented roster but lack the play-in experience of Miami's veteran core.