Play-in tournament will decide the final 4 spots in NBA playoff field

For the Miami Heat, here’s the bad news: They’re in the play-in tournament again.

And for the Heat, here’s also some good news: They’re in the play-in tournament again.

The play-in — where the final four playoff spots will be decided — has become an unwanted tradition for Miami, which is in the event for the fourth consecutive season. The Heat used it as a springboard to the playoffs in each of the last three years, and will need to win two road games this week to extend that streak.

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“It’s harrowing. It’s nuts,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “You have to absolutely embrace it. It makes you feel alive, that’s for sure, if you’re a competitor. … Once you’re in it, it’s exhilarating. And you have to embrace the competition, embrace how every single possession really does matter. It’s a Game 7. And so, I just want our guys to take on that challenge.”

Also in the field: Charlotte, Orlando and Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference, along with Golden State, the Los Angeles Clippers, Portland and Phoenix in the Western Conference.

The Clippers have a chance to get to the playoffs after a dismal 6-21 start to the season.

“It’s a great achievement,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said.

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The schedule

— East No. 10 Miami at East No. 9 Charlotte, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.

— West No. 8 Portland at West No. 7 Phoenix, Tuesday, 10 p.m.

— East No. 8 Orlando at East No. 7 Philadelphia, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

— West No. 10 Golden State at West No. 9 Los Angeles Clippers, Wednesday, 10 p.m.

How it works

Every game will either have a team clinching a playoff berth and/or being eliminated from postseason contention.

— Losers of Miami-Charlotte and Golden State-LA Clippers games are eliminated.

— Winners of Portland-Phoenix and Orlando-Philadelphia games become No. 7 seeds on playoff bracket (East will face Boston in Round 1, West will face San Antonio in Round 1.)

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— Orlando-Philadelphia loser will host Miami-Charlotte winner Friday (7:30 p.m.) to determine No. 8 seed in East and who’ll face No. 1 Detroit in Round 1. Losing team in that game is eliminated.

— Portland-Phoenix loser…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/play-tournament-decide-final-4-054517331.html

Author : TIM REYNOLDS

Publish date : 2026-04-13 05:45:00

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