NBA play-in tournament picks and predictions to complete 2026 playoff picture

The 2026 NBA Playoff bracket is almost set, and the chase for the championship begins with the play-in tournament.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:21pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the intensity of an NBA playoff basketball game, with overlapping planes of bright orange, electric blue, and deep purple colors.The NBA play-in tournament's high-stakes, winner-take-all format is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the action on the court.NYC Today

The NBA play-in tournament rules and format are simple. The No. 7 seed plays the No. 8 seed in each conference, and the winner gets the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The No. 9 seed plays the No. 10 seed in each conference, the winner of that game plays the loser of the 7/8 game for the No. 8 seed in the playoffs. Let's make picks for every game of the play-in tournament to complete the playoff picture.

Why it matters

The play-in tournament is an exciting part of the NBA postseason, as it gives lower-seeded teams a chance to earn a playoff spot and adds extra drama and intrigue to the end of the regular season. These predictions will help fans understand the potential matchups and outcomes as the 2026 NBA Playoffs take shape.

The details

In the East, the Charlotte Hornets face the Miami Heat in the 9/10 game, while the Philadelphia 76ers host the Orlando Magic for the No. 7 seed. In the West, the Phoenix Suns host the Portland Trail Blazers in the 7/8 game, and the Golden State Warriors take on the Los Angeles Clippers in the 9/10 game.

  • The play-in tournament begins on Tuesday, April 13, 2026.
  • The East 9/10 game and West 7/8 game are on Tuesday.
  • The East 7/8 game and West 9/10 game are on Wednesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

LaMelo Ball

A star player for the Charlotte Hornets who has led the team's remarkable mid-season turnaround.

Bam Adebayo

The elite defensive big man for the Miami Heat who will be a key factor in their play-in game against the Hornets.

Tyrese Maxey

The ascending All-NBA talent who has become the leader of the Philadelphia 76ers this season.

Kawhi Leonard

The superstar forward for the Los Angeles Clippers who is playing at a First-Team All-NBA level.

Steph Curry

The Warriors' star player who is dealing with injuries and a minutes restriction heading into the play-in game.

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What they’re saying

“Would you believe the Hornets have been the best team in the NBA since the calendar flipped to 2026? It's true. After a terrible start, Charlotte went 33-16 with the league's best net-rating at +10.5 since Jan. 1. It's one of the most remarkable mid-season turnarounds in NBA history, and it's possible it could end on Tuesday night with a road game in Miami.”

— Ricky O'Donnell, Author

“The Blazers have developed into an elite defensive team, and it's produced their first winning record in five years. Portland is No. 3 in defensive efficiency since the All-Star break with sophomore center Donovan Clingan emerging into arguably the team's best long-term piece for his elite rim protection.”

— Ricky O'Donnell, Author

“Orlando was my preseason NBA Finals pick, which was obviously a terrible call. The Magic just never found their groove in another injury-ravaged season, and it feels like head coach Jamahl Mosley should be on the hot seat even if they win this game.”

— Ricky O'Donnell, Author

What’s next

The winners of the play-in tournament games will earn the final playoff spots in each conference, setting the stage for the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

The takeaway

The 2026 NBA play-in tournament promises to be an exciting and unpredictable conclusion to the regular season, with several teams fighting for the final playoff spots. The predictions highlight the key storylines and potential matchups that will captivate basketball fans as the road to the championship begins.