These will be the keys to the final assault of the play-in: Warriors and Hornets seek the surprise

The final assault, the ultimate battles. The play-in faces the two decisive matches that will establish the two teams completing the roster of the 2026 NBA playoffs. There are high expectations and excitement among fans as the four teams are different from each other and bring interesting aspects to the game. Who will win?

While they have to play a do-or-die game, Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder patiently await the winners of the respective duels. It is clear that starting the 2026 NBA playoffs with the physical and mental fatigue of having played two all-or-nothing games is a significant disadvantage, but that's the magic of the play-in. Orlando Magic will try to assert their authority against Charlotte Hornets, while Golden State Warriors will seek the epic challenge against Phoenix Suns.

Orlando Magic vs Charlotte Hornets, clash of styles for a coveted prize

There can't be two more different teams in the NBA than those from Florida and North Carolina. Toughness against freshness, solidity versus magic, defensive reliability against unpredictability, and pure offensive talent. LaMelo will be able to play despite his embarrassing action against Adebayo and will lead a team where Knueppel must step up to support Bridges and Miller.

Things have to change significantly for the Magic compared to their defeat against the Sixers. Banchero was completely lacking in confidence, making poor decisions, with an attack lacking order and ideas, playing an anachronistic and unsmooth game that cannot compete at this level with guarantees.

Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors, uncertain forecast and guaranteed spectacle

The Arizona team will fight not to suffer a historic setback, as so far, no seventh seed has been left out of the play-in. They will have home-court advantage, but they do not arrive in the best conditions after their painful defeat against the Blazers, and seeing how Curry's best version can be lethal in a game of this nature.

They will have to rely on Brooks' defensive toughness and the inspiration of Booker and Green to counter everything Stephen generates. The Warriors' chances for a surprise victory rely on a great performance by Porzingis, Horford, and Santos, as faithful sidekicks to the best point guard in history, who will need to deliver another legendary performance.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Estas serán las claves del último asalto del play-in: Warriors y Hornets buscan la sorpresa