The NBA play-in tournament has arrived with games tipping off Tuesday.
First, the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets faced off in the Eastern Conference’s No. 9 and No. 10 seed matchup. Charlotte came out on top 127-126 and will play the loser of the No. 7 and No. 8 game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers for the No. 8 seed.
It seemed like the Heat were in prime position for a victory, up four with 28 seconds left in regulation. Following a Brandon Miller 3-pointer to make it a one point game, Tyler Herro hit two free throws to extend its lead. However, Charlotte forced overtime after Coby White hit a fadeaway 3-pointer to tie the game. Herro then missed a 3-pointer and the Hornets survived in the extra period.
Miami had another chance to win in overtime, going up by one with 8.7 seconds left. Charlotte guard LaMelo Ball attacked the basket for a game-winning layup and Miami’s ensuing chance to win was missed. Ball led the Hornets with 30 points, while Miles Bridges had 28 points. Davion Mitchell had a team-high 28 points for the Heat and Andrew Wiggins added 27.
The Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns closed out the night in a Western Conference battle of the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds. The winner plays the San Antonio Spurs in the first round, while the loser faces either the LA Clippers or Golden State Warriors.
In the West, Phoenix returned to the play-in after a 45-win bounce-back season, taking the series 2-1 behind Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, while Portland — last in the playoffs in 2021 — is powered by first-time All-Star Deni Avdija, along with Shaedon Sharpe and Jerami Grant.
Who will come out victorious Tuesday night? Follow along for live updates and highlights.
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