NBA playoff bracket after Magic rout Hornets, Suns knock out Warriors

The first round of the NBA playoffs are set with the completion of the NBA Play-In Tournament.

On Friday, April 17, the No. 8 seed in both the Eastern and Western Conference playoffs were determined in a doubleheader streamed on Amazon Prime Video.

In the Eastern Conference opener, the Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets in a blowout, 121-90, as the Magic advanced to a first-round matchup against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.

Orlando dominated the Hornets to deliver the 31-point victory, the largest win-margin in NBA Play-In history. The Hornets have been a part of the worst losses in the five-year history of the Play-In.

The Hornets lost by 21 to the Indiana Pacers in 2021 and by 29 to the Atlanta Hawks in 2022, which was the previous record for largest point differential. The Hornets emerged from a win-or-go-home matchup with the Miami Heat Tuesday, April 14.

The Magic fell to the 76ers in Philadelphia one night later but bounced back to keep their season alive.

In the nightcap, the Phoenix Suns handled the Golden State Warriors for the final berth in the Western Conference and a date with the No. 1 overall seed and defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jalen Green scored a game-high 36 points to pace the Suns to a victory. Devin Booker had 20 points and eight assists.

The Suns entered the Play-In Tournament as the No. 7 seed in the West but lost at home to the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday. The Warriors, meanwhile, entered as the No. 10 seed before eliminating the Clippers in Los Angeles. It was Phoenix that played with a chip on its shoulder following Tuesday's loss.

Here's how the games went, plus the full bracket for the first round of the NBA Playoffs:

NBA Play-In Tournament bracket

All Times Eastern

Friday, April 17

• East: Orlando Magic 121, Charlotte Hornets 90
• West: Phoenix Suns 111, Golden State Warriors 96

Wednesday, April 15

• East: No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers 109, No. 8 Orlando Magic 97
• West: No. 10 Golden State Warriors 126, No. 9 L.A. Clippers 121

Tuesday, April 14

• East: No. 9 Charlotte Hornets 127, No. 10 Miami Heat 126 (OT)
• West: No. 8 Portland Trail Blazers 114, No. 7 Phoenix Suns 110

NBA Playoffs bracket, first-round schedule

NOTE: Not all games have been given an official start time or viewing options yet. All listed times are Eastern:

*- if necessary

Eastern Conference

No. 1 Detroit Pistons vs. No. 8 Orlando Magic

• Game 1 at Detroit: Sunday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock
• Game 2 at Detroit: Wednesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. | ESPN
• Game 3 at Orlando: Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m. | Peacock
• Game 4 at Orlando: Monday, April 27 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 5 at Detroit: Wednesday, April 29 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 6 at Orlando: Friday, May 1 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 7 at Detroit: Sunday, May 3 | Time and TV TBD

No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers

• Game 1 at Boston: Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m. | ABC
• Game 2 at Boston: Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m. | Peacock
• Game 3 at Philadelphia: Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. | Prime Video
• Game 4 at Philadelphia: Sunday, April 26 at 7 p.m. | NBC, Peacock
• *Game 5 at Boston: Tuesday, April 28 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 6 at Philadelphia: Thursday, April 30 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 7 at Boston: Saturday, May 2 | Time and TV TBD

No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 6 Atlanta Hawks

• Game 1 at New York: Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. | Prime Video
• Game 2 at New York: Monday, April 20 at 8 p.m. | NBC, Peacock
• Game 3 at Atlanta: Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. | Prime Video
• Game 4 at Atlanta: Saturday, April 25 at 6 p.m. | NBC, Peacock
• *Game 5 at New York: Tuesday, April 28 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 6 at Atlanta: Thursday, April 30 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 7 at New York: Saturday, May 2 | Time and TV TBD

No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Toronto Raptors

• Game 1 at Cleveland: Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. | Prime Video
• Game 2 at Cleveland: Monday, April 20 at 7 p.m. | Peacock
• Game 3 at Toronto: Thursday, April 23 at 8 p.m. | Prime Video
• Game 4 at Toronto: Sunday, April 26 at 1 p.m. | ESPN
• *Game 5 at Cleveland: Wednesday, April 29 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 6 at Toronto: Friday, May 1 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 7 at Cleveland: Sunday, May 3 | Time and TV TBD

Western Conference

No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 Phoenix Suns

• Game 1 at Oklahoma City: Sunday, April 19 at 3:30 p.m. | ABC
• Game 2 at Oklahoma City: Wednesday, April 22 at 9:30 p.m. | ESPN
• Game 3 at Phoenix: Saturday, April 25 at 3:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock
• Game 4 at Phoenix: Monday, April 27 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 5 at Oklahoma City: Wednesday, April 29 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 6 at Phoenix: Friday, May 1 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 7 at Oklahoma City: Sunday, May 3 | Time and TV TBD

No. 2 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 7 Portland Trail Blazers

• Game 1 at San Antonio: Sunday, April 19 at 9 p.m. | NBC, Peacock
• Game 2 at San Antonio: Tuesday, April 21 at 8 p.m. | NBC, Peacock
• Game 3 at Portland: Friday, April 24 at 10:30 p.m. | Prime Video
• Game 4 at Portland: Sunday, April 26 at 3:30 p.m. | ESPN
• *Game 5 at San Antonio: Tuesday, April 28 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 6 at Portland: Thursday, April 30 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 7 at San Antonio: Saturday, May 2 | Time and TV TBD

No. 3 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves

• Game 1 at Denver: Saturday, April 18 at 3:30 p.m. | Prime Video
• Game 2 at Denver: Monday, April 20 at 10:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock
• Game 3 at Minnesota: Thursday, April 23 at 9:30 p.m. | Prime Video
• Game 4 at Minnesota: Saturday, April 25 at 8:30 p.m. | ABC
• *Game 5 at Denver: Monday, April 27 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 6 at Minnesota: Thursday, April 30 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 7 at Denver: Saturday, May 2 | Time and TV TBD

No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 5 Houston Rockets

• Game 1 at Los Angeles: Saturday, April 18 at 8:30 p.m. | ABC
• Game 2 at Los Angeles: Tuesday, April 21 at 10:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock
• Game 3 at Houston: Friday, April 24 at 8 p.m. | Prime Video
• Game 4 at Houston: Sunday, April 26 at 9:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock
• *Game 5 at Los Angeles: Wednesday, April 29 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 6 at Houston: Friday, May 1 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 7 at Los Angeles: Sunday, May 3 | Time and TV TBD

Final: Suns 111, Warriors 94

The Suns clinched the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot after a 111-94 win against the Golden State Warriors on April 17.

The Suns were led by Jalen Green who scored a game-high 36 points. Devin Booker added 20 points and a game-high eight assists. Jordan Goodwin filled the stat sheet, he provided his energy, tallying 19 points, 9 rebounds and 6 steals.

Steph Curry ended the game with 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting. The Warriors were led by Brandin Podziemski with 23 points. The loss marks the end of the road for Golden State. The Suns will face the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Game Statistical Leaders

Here are the game leaders from each team at the half.

Phoenix Suns

• Points: Jalen Green, 36
• Rebounds: Jordan Goodwin, 9
• Assists: Devin Booker, 8
• Steals: Jordan Goodwin, 6
• Blocks: Jalen Green, 3

Golden State Warriors

• Points: Brandin Podziemski, 23
• Rebounds: Brandin Podziemski, 10
• Assists: Draymond Green, 6
• Steals: Stephen Curry, 2
• Blocks: n/a

Draymond Green ejected in loss

Draymond Green was jawing back and forth with Suns guard Devin Booker in the Warriors' eventual loss. NBA referee Scott Foster had enough of them talking and ejected both of them.

Suns went on to win 111-94.

Phoenix rising

It's getting tight at Mortgage Matchup Center and the Suns continue to pour on their lead and the Warriors can't do anything but hopelessly watch everyone in a Phoenix jersey knock down shots.

Devin Booker, who's let Jalen Green go off, has picked up his scoring as the fourth quarter clocks ticked away. He's either scored or assisted on 12 consecutive Phoenix points. Suns led 99-84 with 5:21 in the game.

Is Steph Curry lingering knee injury holding him back?

Curry has been limited in his offensive game. Whether the Phoenix defense or a lingering knee injury coming back, Curry was seen limping at points in the game. One thing that is noticeable is Curry's off-ball movement hasn't been as rapid through parts of the game.

Warriors get Curry going, but too much Jalen Green

Stephen Curry woke up in the early in the fourth with a layup and three-pointer but Jalen Green was on fire. He went on a solo 8-0 run to extend the Phoenix lead back up to 14. Suns led 92-78, behind Green's 36 points.

End of 3Q: Suns 78, Warriors 69

Jalen Green has 27 points, including 13 points in the third quarter on 5-of-9 shooting in the period. Through 36 minutes, Stephen Curry has been held to just seven points on 2-of-9 shooting.

Game Leading Scorers

• Phoenix: Jalen Green, 27 points
• Golden State: Brandin Podziemski, 14 points

De'Anthony Melton keeps Warriors around

Whenever it seems the Suns have a chance to pull away, the Warriors make timely buckets to hang around. Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton scored nine-consecutive points in two minutes. Golden State trailed still, but the deficit was 72-64, with 2:29 left in the 3rd.

Jalen Green scored 11 points in the third quarter to keep the Warriors away.

Devin Booker foul trouble, but Suns catch fire

Devin Booker picked up his fourth foul of the game with 8:31 in the third quarter after contact to Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis split the two, Booker remained in the game.

Jalen Green hit back-to-back threes to increase the lead to 11. Suns up 64-53 with 7:52 in the third.

Halftime: Suns 50, Warriors 45

The Warriors found themselves down by two after once trailing the Suns by 18, before Jalen Green closed the first half with an off-balanced, fade away, leaning to the side as he drained a three with less than two seconds in the half. He has 14 in the first half.

The Warriors outscored Phoenix, 30-17, in the second quarter.

Suns center Mark Williams was ruled out with left foot soreness and the Warriors have took advantage with 28 points in the paint. Golden State has only connected on three deep shots, shooting 21% (3-of-14) from three-point territory. Devin Booker has 9, while Dillon Brooks added 8 for Phoenix.

Game Statistical Leaders

Here are the game leaders from each team at the half.

Phoenix Suns

• Points: Jalen Green, 14
• Rebounds: Jordan Goodwin, 5
• Assists: Devin Booker, 3
• Steals: Jordan Goodwin, 4
• Blocks: Jalen Green, 2

Golden State Warriors

• Points: Brandin Podziemski, 12
• Rebounds: Brandin Podziemski, 5
• Assists: Stephen Curry, 3
• Steals: Stephen Curry, 2
• Blocks: n/a

Warriors run brings lead to single-digits

Golden State went on a 9-0 run to bring themselves within the striking distance of the Suns. With under two minutes left, the Warriors trailed Phoenix, 47-42, with 1:47 in the first half.

Suns respond to Warriors rally

Warriors continued to settle in defensively and trust each other to make the right cuts and passes and execute on offense. Golden State cut the Suns double-digit down to eight with just over seven minutes left in the half, leading 35-27.

However, a Kristaps Porzingis led to a Jalen Green fast break dunk pushed the lead back to 10.

Gary Payton II got a layup to bring it to eight, again, but Green was found on a three from straight away. Cash. Suns took an 11-point advantage. Jordan Goodwin upped it on a follow up offensive rebound and score, as he was fouled. Suns were up 42-29 with 5:24 in the second quarter.

Here come the Warriors

Golden State cut the deficit, slowly beginning climb back after a quick 6-0 run to open the second quarter behind team ball, player movement. Warriors trailed 33-21 with 9:56 left in the half.

End of 1Q: Suns 33, Warriors 15

The Phoenix Suns ended the first quarter on a 9-0 run to extend their lead against the Warriors. They forced the Warriors to more turnovers, 9, than made field goals, 6, in the first quarter.

It was a rough outing to start for Golden State who has shot 6-for-20 in the first quarter, as a collective.

Game Leading Scorers

• Phoenix: Brooks, 8 points
• Golden State: Porzingis, 5 points

Suns strike first, go up on Warriors

The Phoenix Suns were the No. 7-seed entering the NBA Play-In and they showed why they were the higher seed against the Warriors. Phoenix opened the game on a 13-2 run.

Warriors vs. Suns starting lineups

Here are the starting lineups for the Suns and Warriors in the NBA Play-In game for the eighth seed in the playoff.

Golden State Warriors starting lineup:

• Guard: Stephen Curry
• Guard: Brandin Podziemski
• Forward: Gui Santos
• Forward: Draymond Green
• Center: Kristaps Porzingis
• Head coach: Steve Kerr

Phoenix Suns starting lineup:

• Guard: Jalen Green
• Guard: Devin Booker
• Forward: Dillon Brooks
• Forward: Jordan Goodwin
• Center: Ogo Ighodaro
• Head coach: Jordan Ott

Final: Magic 121, Hornets 90

The Magic punched their ticket to the 2026 NBA Playoffs after a whopping 121-90 victory against the Charlotte Hornets on April 17. Orlando will go on the face the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs.

It was a dominant performance from beginning to end led by Paolo Banchero who scored a game-high 25 points. Franz Wagner had 18 points for Orlando. But it was their defensive masterclass that gave the advantage. Magic nabbed six steals and eight blocks against the Hornets, holding them to 34% shooting from the field.

Game Statistical Leaders

Here are the game leaders from each team at the half.

Orlando Magic

• Points: Paolo Banchero, 25
• Rebounds: Franz Wagner; Desmond Bane, 7
• Assists: Jalen Suggs, Wagner, Banchero, 6
• Steals: Desmond Bane, 3
• Blocks: Goga Bitadze, 4

Charlotte Hornets

• Points: LaMelo Ball, 23
• Rebounds: Moussa Diabaté, 8
• Assists: LaMelo Ball, 5
• Steals: Brandon Miller; Ryan Kalkbrenner, 2
• Blocks: Moussa Diabaté, 3

Magic finish off the Hornets

Magic continue their dominance through the 4th quarter.

End of 3Q: Magic 102, Hornets 71

LaMelo Ball scored 19 points in the third quarter but Orlando continued their playoff-level intensity through 36 minutes. Hornets cut the Magic lead to 23 but long misses turned into easy transition buckets for Orlando. The lead went back up to 31.

Game Leading Scorers

• Orlando: Paolo Banchero, 23 points
• Charlotte: LaMelo Ball, 23 points

Paolo Banchero posterizes Moussa Diabaté

Magic forward Paolo Banchero took off from just inside the free-throw line to put Hornets center Moussa Diabaté on a poster with a vicious, one-hand slam. Banchero loaded one up before punching it over Charlotte's shot blockers' arm to give the Magic a 76-48 lead with 8:47 in the third quarter.

Halftime: Magic 68, Hornets 37

Orlando is running and gunning against the Hornets and have built a 31-point lead going into the half. They are playing defense. They are getting easy layups and dunks on fast breaks. It is demoralizing for Charlotte, who can hardly buy a bucket, while it seems anything the Magic throw up goes in.

One team was having fun, the other not so much. Hornets center Moussa Diabaté made a mid-range field goal as time expired. Magic lead 68-37 at the half.

Game Statistical Leaders

Here are the game leaders from each team at the half.

Orlando Magic

• Points: Paolo Banchero, 16
• Rebounds: Jalen Suggs, 5
• Assists: Paolo Banchero, 5
• Steals: Franz Wagner; Desmond Bane; Banchero, 1
• Blocks: Wendell Carter Jr.; Anthony Black; Goga Bitadze; Suggs; Banchero, 1

Charlotte Hornets

• Points: Brandon Miller, 12
• Rebounds: Moussa Diabaté, 4
• Assists: LaMelo Ball, 4
• Steals: Brandon Miller, 2
• Blocks: n/a

Miles Bridges hit with flagrant foul on Desmond Bane

Hornets forward Miles Bridges was assessed a dead ball technical foul after striking Magic guard Desmond Bane in the face and head area to get up off the ground after both players went diving for a loose ball. Bridges was also hit with a loose ball foul. The Magic led 56-20 with 3:20 left in the second quarter.

Hornets have a lot of ground to build

After starting the second quarter down by 22 points, the Hornets have to dig themselves out of the hole they put themselves in. LaMelo Ball left the game with 7:06 left in foul trouble, he has three. The Hornets shot 29% from the field as they trailed the Magic, 47-24 with 6:58 in the second.

End of 1Q: Magic 38, Hornets 16

The Orlando Magic might as well been called 'repellent' how they dismantled the Hornets in the first quarter of the NBA Play-In game for the 8th seed of the 2026 Playoffs.

They put on a defensive clinic, their pressure caused the Hornets to shoot 25% (5-for-20) in the first quarter, as a team. But it's not just defensive intensity and physicality, Magic shot 67% (16-for-24) on field goals in the opening period to open a 22-point lead.

Game Leading Scorers

• Orlando: Banchero, 12 points
• Charlotte: Miller, 6 points

Hornets stop bleeding, but Magic go on another run

The Hornets started to make their presence in the game and cut the deficit to four at 14-10. The Magic, a readier and more experienced team didn't allow them to gain much confidence. Their defense turned up. It stifled the Hornets, causing frustration. Orlando scored easy baskets and made open shots as they went on a 13-0 run. Magic led 27-10 with 3:43 remaining in the first quarter.

Orlando jumps out to early run

Paolo Banchero scored the first basket in the game getting the Magic on the board. Charlotte matched them before Orlando proceeded to go on a 10-0 run, to take a 14-5 lead with under 8 minutes.

Magic vs. Hornets starting lineups

Here are the starting lineups for the Magic and Hornets in the NBA Play-In game for the eighth seed in the playoff.

Orlando Magic starting lineup:

• Guard: Jalen Suggs
• Guard: Desmond Bane
• Forward: Franz Wagner
• Forward: Paolo Banchero
• Center: Wendell Carter Jr.
• Head coach: Jamahl Mosley

Charlotte Hornets starting lineup:

• Guard: LaMelo Ball
• Guard: Brandon Miller
• Forward: Kon Knueppel
• Forward: Miles Bridges
• Center: Moussa Diabaté
• Head coach: Charles Lee

Hornets vs. Magic odds and prediction

Odds via BetMGM as of Friday, April 17 at 5:55 p.m. ET

• Spread: Hornets (-3.5)
• Moneyline: Hornets (-150); Magic (+125)
• Over/Under: 218.5

USA TODAY Network: Hornets 111, Magic 103

Jeremy Cluff of The Arizona Republic writes: "The Hornets won the final three games of the regular-season series with the Magic this season, outscoring Orlando by 61 points. We don't think the final score of this game will be as lopsided, but LaMelo Ball and Charlotte will advance to the NBA playoffs with a win."

Warriors vs. Suns odds and prediction

Odds via BetMGM as of Friday, April 17 at 5:55 p.m. ET

• Spread: Suns (-2.5)
• Moneyline: Suns (-150); Warriors (+125)
• Over/Under: 219.5

USA TODAY Network: Suns 110, Warriors 108

Jeremy Cluff of The Arizona Republic writes: "The Warriors took three of the four games in the season series against the Suns, but their last two wins were by a combined seven points. Phoenix is looking to avoid becoming the first No. 7 seed in the NBA Play-In Tournament to miss the playoffs. Devin Booker will play the hero late."