NBA Play-In Final Games, NHL Playoff Bracket Set — Plus WrestleMania 42(!?)

The VSiN Daily newsletter covers the action on the daily sports menu: NBA, college basketball, NBA and NHL.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:34am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring sharp, angular shapes and planes of color that intersect and overlap, conveying the energy and excitement of major sporting events and entertainment shows.The overlapping geometric shapes and fractured perspectives of a Cubist-inspired illustration capture the intensity and unpredictability of the upcoming sports playoffs and entertainment spectacle.Las Vegas Today

The NBA and NHL playoffs are set to begin this weekend, with the final spots in the NBA Play-In Tournament still up for grabs. Meanwhile, the biggest event in Las Vegas this weekend is WrestleMania 42.

Why it matters

The NBA and NHL playoffs are some of the most anticipated events in the sports calendar, with teams battling it out for a chance to win their respective championships. The NBA Play-In Tournament also adds an extra layer of excitement, as teams fight for the final playoff spots. Additionally, the return of WrestleMania to Las Vegas is a major event for the city's entertainment and tourism industries.

The details

In the NBA, the final two Play-In Tournament games will be played on Friday, with the Hornets taking on the Magic and the Warriors facing the Suns. The first round of the NBA playoffs will then tip off on Saturday. In the NHL, the playoff bracket is set, with the Avalanche, Hurricanes, and Lightning leading the odds to win the Stanley Cup. The first-round matchups have also been determined, with some intriguing series on tap.

  • The NBA Play-In Tournament final games will be played on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • The first round of the NBA playoffs will begin on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • WrestleMania 42 will take place in Las Vegas this weekend.

The players

Wyatt Tomchek

A sports betting analyst who provides insights on how to handicap WrestleMania.

Zach Cohen

A VSiN analyst who provides breakdowns and predictions for the NBA Play-In Tournament games.

Mitch Moss

The host of Follow the Money, who will be hosting an exclusive event at the Circa Sportsbook in Las Vegas.

Pauly Howard

The co-host of Follow the Money, who will be hosting an exclusive event at the Circa Sportsbook in Las Vegas.

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What they’re saying

“With Paolo Banchero struggling, it's tough to see Orlando keeping Charlotte out of the playoffs.”

— Zach Cohen, VSiN Analyst

“Zach is staying away from the side and Total, but he does have a player prop he likes.”

— Zach Cohen, VSiN Analyst

What’s next

The first round of the NBA playoffs will tip off on Saturday, April 18, 2026, following the conclusion of the NBA Play-In Tournament. The NHL playoff bracket is also set, with the first-round matchups scheduled to begin soon.

The takeaway

The upcoming weekend in sports is shaping up to be an exciting one, with the final spots in the NBA playoffs on the line, the NHL playoff bracket set, and the highly anticipated return of WrestleMania to Las Vegas. Fans and bettors alike will have plenty of action to follow and analyze as the postseason races heat up.