NBA Play-In Tournament winners, losers: Steph Curry shows he's still great
TL;DR
The NBA Play-In Tournament has concluded its first round, confirming the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers as the No. 7 seeds in their respective conferences. The final two games on April 17 will decide the No. 8 seeds.
NBA Play-In Tournament winners, losers: Steph Curry shows he's still great
The first round of the NBA Play-In Tournament is a wrap, which means the playoff field is nearly set.
We now know who the No. 7 seeds will be in both the Eastern and Western Conferences: the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively.
Now, the final two games of the Play-In, which will be Friday, April 17, will determine the No. 8 seeds. The Orlando Magic will host the Charlotte Hornets in the East, and the Phoenix Suns will host the Golden State Warriors out West.
But first, we have the chance to make sense of the first round.
Here are the winners and losers of the NBA Play-In Tournament, thus far:
As the NBA Play‑In Tournament unfolds, every possession carries extra weight with postseason spots on the line.
See the action and emotion from across the tournament as teams battle through high‑stakes games.
Above, LaMelo Ball #1 celebrates with Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after scoring and drawing a foul against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets blocks a shot from Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers slam dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket while guarded by Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a three-point shot over Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after defeating the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jerami Grant #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts to a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.
Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after making a basket late in the second half against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball ahead of Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball while guarded by Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Scoot Henderson #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers battle for a loose ball during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets guards Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court while guarded by Simone Fontecchio #0 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a shot under pressure from Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.
Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball over Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat late in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Interim head coach Tiago Splitter of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dunks the ball in the first half while guarded by Simone Fontecchio #0 of the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers lays up a shot ahead of Oso Ighodaro #11 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.
Norman Powell #24 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket while guarded by Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
As the NBA Play‑In Tournament unfolds, every possession carries extra weight with postseason spots on the line.
See the action and emotion from across the tournament as teams battle through high‑stakes games.
Above, LaMelo Ball #1 celebrates with Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
1 / 21
NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
As the NBA Play‑In Tournament unfolds, every possession carries extra weight with postseason spots on the line.
See the action and emotion from across the tournament as teams battle through high‑stakes games.
Above, LaMelo Ball #1 celebrates with Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
2 / 21
NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after scoring and drawing a foul against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets blocks a shot from Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
4 / 21
NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers slam dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket while guarded by Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a three-point shot over Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after defeating the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Jerami Grant #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts to a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after making a basket late in the second half against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball ahead of Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball while guarded by Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Scoot Henderson #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers battle for a loose ball during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets guards Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court while guarded by Simone Fontecchio #0 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a shot under pressure from Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball over Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat late in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Interim head coach Tiago Splitter of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dunks the ball in the first half while guarded by Simone Fontecchio #0 of the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
20 / 21
NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers lays up a shot ahead of Oso Ighodaro #11 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.
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NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason
Norman Powell #24 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket while guarded by Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WINNERS
Stephen Curry makes his case for the future
Even if the Warriors happen to upset the Suns Friday, they won’t go far in the playoffs. For one, their opponent would be the defending-champion Thunder. For another, this roster has too many injuries and too many holes.
But Curry’s heroics in Golden State’s thrilling victory over the Clippers, his 35 points and 7 made 3-pointers, sent a message to the team’s front office. More specifically, it sent a message to general manager Mike Dunleavy, that he needs to be aggressive and reshape this roster for one last run. Curry, though, will need some help. The team needs more shooting. It won’t happen this year, but Curry showed that he’s still capable of greatness.
The Oklahoma City Thunder
They did not play but ended up winning, anyway. The Thunder own the unprotected 2026 first-round pick that belonged to the Clippers, the last remaining piece of the trade that sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Oklahoma City.
Anyway, with Golden State’s victory over the Clippers, that pick is now a lottery selection, one with a 7.1% chance of becoming a Top 4 pick. The rich get richer.
Draymond Green
His defense on Kawhi Leonard was a masterclass in persistence and tenacity. Add those two big steals late in the game to an already iconic highlight reel.
The upstart Charlotte Hornets
Since the All-Star break, only the Spurs have a better offensive rating (121.8) and net rating (11.1) than the Hornets. San Antonio is a legitimate contender for a title. The Hornets still have to beat the Magic Friday to become the No. 8 seed — and to have the privilege of facing the No. 1 Detroit Pistons in the first round.
Either way, this is a massive moment for Charlotte, which earned its first postseason victory in nearly 10 years. One of the opposing players in the last Hornets victory April 27, 2016 was Amar’e Stoudemire … who was with the Heat. The Hornets play fast and shoot the ball extremely well. They’ve proven resilient. They’re also young and a fun watch and may be maturing in real time.
More: NBA punishes LaMelo Ball for play that injured Bam Adebayo
Tiago Splitter
The morning after the Trail Blazers played their season-opening game, Tiago Splitter awoke to his phone buzzing with texts and calls that his boss, Portland head coach Chauncey Billups, had been arrested for his alleged role in an illegal gambling ring.
All Splitter has done as the interim is turn the Blazers into a balanced, fluid offense and a pesky team. Turnovers are still an issue, but the best sign that Portland could be on the come up is that the players — both young and veteran — have developed over the course of the season.
LOSERS
Jamahl Mosley and Paolo Banchero
The Magic feel like a team headed for a disruptive offseason. They’ve underwhelmed this season and Paolo Banchero has regressed somewhat; he often runs through his offensive actions as if overthinking or lacking confidence. His 7-of-22 night against the 76ers, including 0-of-5 from 3-point range, pointed to the inefficiency with which he has played this season.
Had the Magic won their season finale against the Celtics, who rested their top seven rotation players, they would’ve hosted the 76ers in the Play-In. Instead, Orlando lost and now faces a tough Hornets team. It all spells trouble for coach Jamahl Mosley, whose job may be tenuous, given the team’s lack of cohesion.
The Los Angeles Clippers
Now that their season is officially over, it stands reason to believe that the NBA-backed investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention during Kawhi Leonard’s acquisition will wrap up without hindrance. Los Angeles could find itself in a precarious situation, depending on the severity of any potential discipline, and it could get even worse.
The pick Indiana sent to Los Angeles as part of the Ivica Zubac-Bennedict Mathurin trade only conveys to the Clippers if it falls between Nos. 5-9; the Pacers have a 52.1% chance to get a Top 4 selection.
More: Chris Paul mocks Clippers with meme after their play-in loss to Warriors
Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat
This team prides itself on competing every season and believing they can make a run deep into the postseason. But after four consecutive Play-In appearances, and after getting bounced Tuesday by the Hornets, it’s time for some introspection in Miami.
This roster isn’t balanced enough to threaten in the East. Miami may have solid stretches, but it simply lacks consistency. What’s worse is that coach Erik Spoelstra lacked trust in his rotations, tweaking them until the very end. Granted, the Heat faced injuries, but Spoelstra struggled to find combinations that worked with both Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware on the floor, just like he miscalculated the defensive shortcomings of a Tyler Herro-Norman Powell backcourt. Miami is stuck in purgatory, and this stale roster needs an overhaul.
More: Bam Adebayo injury after LaMelo Ball tie-up has Erik Spoelstra fuming
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Steph Curry highlights NBA Play-In Tournament winners and losers
Q&A
Who are the No. 7 seeds in the NBA Play-In Tournament?
The No. 7 seeds are the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference and the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference.
When will the final games of the NBA Play-In Tournament take place?
The final two games of the NBA Play-In Tournament will take place on April 17.
Which teams are competing for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference?
The Orlando Magic will host the Charlotte Hornets for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Who will the Golden State Warriors face in the Play-In Tournament?
The Golden State Warriors will face the Phoenix Suns in the Play-In Tournament for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.