The 2026 NBA postseason begins with the play-in tournament featuring two crucial games. In the Eastern Conference, the Charlotte Hornets, seeded No. 10, will host the No. 9 Miami Heat in an elimination game. The winner will face the No. 8 seed on Friday for a chance to enter the playoffs. The Hornets have excelled in 3-point shooting, ranking third in accuracy, while the Heat's defense has faltered, ranking last in defensive efficiency recently. In the Western Conference, the No. 7 Phoenix Suns will take on the No. 8 Portland Trail Blazers. The Suns boast a strong defense and the best player in Devin Booker, while the Blazers have a more unpredictable roster capable of explosive performances. Analysts are divided, with predictions favoring the Suns and Hornets to advance, emphasizing the importance of defensive strategies and individual player performances in these high-stakes matchups.