These will be the keys to the NBA Play-in games in 2026

Excitement is served with an unbeatable appetizer of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The postseason kicks off with four games filled with stars, who will try to showcase their competitive pride to earn a spot in the series, alongside promising projects that are aware of the importance of building a collective identity by competing in the postseason. The play-in is here.

There will be four games to be played between Tuesday to Wednesday dawn and Wednesday to Thursday dawn. Two teams will head for vacation, four will have to keep fighting for a spot in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, and two will have a few days to rest and prepare for their series against the Spurs and Celtics.

Eastern Conference

Charlotte Hornets vs Miami Heat

The joyful basketball of the South Carolinians deserves a reward, but their lack of experience could cost them. Knueppel seems to be running low on energy, and the team will have to rely on the magic of LaMelo and the consistency of Miller, as well as the quintet that has greatly improved its performance. Opposing them are the Heat, who know all the tricks but are still in no-man's-land and could be very demotivated facing a game much more important for the young Hornets.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Orlando Magic

Swords at the ready to determine which team will face the Celtics in the first round. Both teams seemed destined for more, and although there is still time, they have not shown the expected consistency. The team of an Embiid who cannot compete arrives in better form, so Maxey emerges as the great hope for the Philly team. The defensive solidity of the Magic could be decisive in games like this.

Western Conference

Los Angeles Clippers vs Golden State Warriors

In no-man's-land. That's where two franchises have ended up, not building anything but in need of competing for everything. Curry will try to breathe new life into a Warriors team that seems to wander aimlessly through the NBA. The Clippers, who have relied on grit and pride to make it to the postseason, are heavily favored and dream of facing the Thunder in the first round.

Phoenix Suns vs Portland Trail Blazers

An interesting duel to meet the Spurs in the first round of playoffs awaits in Arizona. Neither team seems too interested in competing for anything, aware of their clear limitations, and are not seen as opponents who could make life difficult for Wembanyama's team, but they aim to certify a meritorious season by earning the reward of playing in the playoffs. The Suns are the favorites.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Estas serán las claves de los partidos del Play-in NBA 2026