Hornets' Play-In Scenarios Hinge on Game 82 Outcome

Charlotte can host the 9/10 matchup with a win, but a loss puts their home-court advantage in Miami's hands.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:12pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action of a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant teal, purple, red, and yellow colors, representing the high-stakes clash between the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat.The Hornets' postseason fate hangs in the balance as they battle the Knicks and scoreboard-watch the Heat-Hawks game on the final night of the regular season.NYC Today

The Charlotte Hornets are locked into a Play-In Tournament matchup with the Miami Heat, but the location of that game is still to be determined. The Hornets control their own destiny - if they beat the Knicks in their regular-season finale, they'll host Miami on Wednesday. However, a Hornets loss coupled with a Heat win over the Hawks would send the 9/10 game to South Beach. A Hornets loss with a Heat loss would still result in Charlotte hosting the Play-In contest.

Why it matters

The Hornets have not hosted a postseason game in years, and their passionate fanbase is eager to see the team play at home in a high-stakes Play-In matchup. Securing home-court advantage could provide a significant boost for the young Hornets squad as they look to advance to the first round of the playoffs.

The details

The Hornets and Knicks will tip off at 6 p.m. ET, while the Heat and Hawks will play simultaneously in Miami. Charlotte must win its game to guarantee hosting duties for the 9/10 matchup, as a Hornets loss and Heat win would send the Play-In game to South Beach. The Hornets have split their season series with the Heat, with each team winning on the other's home floor.

  • 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 in Miami.

The players

Charlotte Hornets

An NBA team based in Charlotte, North Carolina that is competing for a Play-In Tournament berth in the 2025-26 season.

Miami Heat

An NBA team based in Miami, Florida that is facing the Hornets in the Play-In Tournament.

New York Knicks

An NBA team based in New York City that the Hornets will face in their regular-season finale.

Atlanta Hawks

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

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What’s next

The Hornets' playoff fate will be decided on Tuesday night. If they beat the Knicks, they will host the Heat in the 9/10 Play-In game on Wednesday. If they lose and the Heat win, the 9/10 matchup will be played in Miami.

The takeaway

The Hornets have a golden opportunity to host a high-stakes Play-In game for the first time in years, but they must take care of business against a short-handed Knicks squad to secure home-court advantage against the Heat.