NBA Play-In Tournament Tips Off Tonight at SoFi

The 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament begins tonight with two games that will set the stage for the NBA Playoffs. The four-day tournament, running from April 14 through April 17, features eight teams fighting for the final playoff spots in both conferences.

Tonight's Games

The Eastern Conference action tips off at 7:30 PM ET with the Miami Heat, seeded tenth, facing the Charlotte Hornets, seeded ninth. In the Western Conference nightcap at 10 PM ET, the eighth-seeded Portland Trail Blazers take on the seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns in what promises to be a tightly contested matchup.

Format and Stakes

The Play-In Tournament uses a double-elimination format for the seventh and eighth seeds, while the ninth and tenth seeds face immediate elimination pressure. Winners from tonight's games will advance through the bracket, with all paths leading to the NBA Playoffs, which begin on April 18. The stakes are high for every team involved, as a single loss can end their season.

How to Watch

All Play-In Tournament games will be broadcast exclusively on Prime Video, continuing Amazon's expanding role as a major platform for live NBA coverage. Fans will need an Amazon Prime subscription to follow the action, as the games will not be available on traditional broadcast or cable networks.