NBA Playoffs: Play-In Tournament picks, predictions, odds, who advances
Lorenzo ReyesThe 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament is officially set, so now the eight teams that qualified will have the chance to claim the last two seeds in the Eastern and Western Conferences.
And, if they do that, then they’ll have the privilege of facing the No. 1 and 2 seeds, respectively. It’s not an easy path forward, but it’s the reality of the teams that finished in the middle of the standings.
First up, the No. 10 Miami Heat will travel to No. 9 Charlotte to face the Hornets Tuesday, April 14 in the first game of a double-header. The second game of the night will feature the No. 7 Phoenix Suns hosting the No. 8 Portland Trail Blazers.
Then, on Wednesday, April 15, the No. 8 Orlando Magic will go to Philadelphia to square off with the No. 7 seed 76ers. The final game of the first round of the play-in will feature the No. 10 Golden State Warriors and No. 9 Los Angeles Clippers.
Here are USA TODAY Sports reporters predictions for every game of the NBA Play-In Tournament and the odds for matchups on Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15:
Stream every game of NBA Play-In Tournament on Amazon Prime VideoUSA TODAY Sports NBA Play-In Tournament predictions
Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets
▶ Tuesday, April 14, 7:30 p.m. ET
Loser eliminated
- Lorenzo Reyes: Hornets
- Scooby Axson: Hornets
- Mark Giannotto: Hornets
- Jon Hoefling: Hornets
- James H. Williams: Hornets
Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns
▶ Tuesday, April 14, 10 p.m. ET
Winner gets No. 7 seed in Western Conference
- Lorenzo Reyes: Suns
- Scooby Axson: Suns
- Mark Giannotto: Suns
- Jon Hoefling: Suns
- James H. Williams: Trail Blazers
Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers
▶ Wednesday, April 15, 7:30 p.m. ET
Winners gets No. 7 seed in Eastern Conference
- Lorenzo Reyes: 76ers
- Scooby Axson: 76ers
- Mark Giannotto: 76ers
- Jon Hoefling: Magic
- James H. Williams: Magic
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers
▶ Wednesday, April 15, 10 p.m. ET
Loser eliminated
- Lorenzo Reyes: Clippers
- Scooby Axson: Clippers
- Mark Giannotto: Warriors
- Jon Hoefling: Clippers
- James H. Williams: Clippers
East: No. 9/10 winner at No. 7/8 loser
▶ Friday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. ET
Winner gets No. 8 seed in Eastern Conference
- Lorenzo Reyes: Hornets
- Scooby Axson: Hornets
- Mark Giannotto: Hornets
- Jon Hoefling: 76ers
- James H. Williams: Hornets
West: No. 9/10 winner at No. 7/8 loser
▶ Friday, April 17, 10 p.m. ET
Winner gets No. 8 seed in Western Conference
- Lorenzo Reyes: Clippers
- Scooby Axson: Clippers
- Mark Giannotto: Warriors
- Jon Hoefling: Clippers
- James H. Williams: Clippers
NBA Play-In Tournament odds
Lines by BetMGM as of 9 p.m. ET Monday, April 13
Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets
- Line: Hornets by 5.5
- Over/Under: 228.5
- Money line: Hornets -220, Heat +180
Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns
- Line: Suns by 3.5
- Over/Under: 217.5
- Money line: Suns-160, Trail Blazers +135
Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers
- Line: 76ers by 1.5
- Over/Under: 220.5
- Money line: Sixers-125, Magic +105
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers
- Line: Clippers by 5.5
- Over/Under: 220.5
- Money line: Clippers -200, Warriors +165
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