Charlotte Hornets' Play-In Tournament Scenarios Heading Into Season Finale

The Hornets control their own destiny for the No. 9 seed, but a loss could hand the advantage to the Miami Heat.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:19pm

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The Charlotte Hornets are locked into a 9/10 matchup with the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament, but the location of that game is still to be determined. The Hornets can clinch the No. 9 seed and host the game by beating the New York Knicks, who are resting most of their starters. If the Hornets lose, the Heat would have a chance to take the No. 9 seed by beating the Atlanta Hawks.

Why it matters

This is a crucial game for the Hornets, who are looking to host a postseason game for the first time in years. The Hornets have played well against the Heat lately, but a loss could hand the advantage to their division rival.

The details

The Hornets and Knicks will tip off at 6 p.m. ET, while the Heat and Hawks will play at the same time in Miami. The Hornets have to win their game to guarantee they host the 9/10 matchup against the Heat. If the Hornets lose, the Heat would need to lose to the Hawks for Charlotte to still host the game.

  • The Hornets and Knicks will tip off at 6 p.m. ET on April 12, 2026.
  • The Heat and Hawks will also tip off at 6 p.m. ET on April 12, 2026.

The players

Charlotte Hornets

An NBA team based in Charlotte, North Carolina that is looking to clinch the No. 9 seed in the Play-In Tournament.

Miami Heat

An NBA team based in Miami, Florida that will face the Hornets in the 9/10 Play-In Tournament matchup.

New York Knicks

An NBA team based in New York City that is resting most of their starters for their final game against the Hornets.

Atlanta Hawks

An NBA team based in Atlanta, Georgia that will face the Heat in their final regular season game.

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What they’re saying

“This is the only way the Hornets can't host the 9/10 game. And if we're being honest, it would be one of the most disappointing outcomes in recent memory for this franchise. It's been forever since the Bugs have hosted a postseason game, and everything is lined up perfectly for them to do so. They just have to take care of New York's 'B' squad. If they don't, their destiny falls into Miami's hands.”

— Schuyler Callihan, Author

What’s next

The Hornets' game against the Knicks and the Heat's game against the Hawks will both take place on Tuesday, April 12th at 6 p.m. ET. The winner of the Hornets-Heat 9/10 matchup will advance to face the loser of the 7/8 game in the Play-In Tournament.

The takeaway

The Hornets have a golden opportunity to host a postseason game for the first time in years, but they'll need to take care of business against the Knicks' reserves. A loss could hand the advantage to the rival Heat, making the path to the playoffs much more difficult.