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2026 NBA Playoffs Kick Off: Thunder Lead, Key Injuries

4/18/2026

Summary

Thunder Defend Title

The 2026 NBA Playoffs begin April 18, 2026, with 16 teams contending for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, defending champions, earned the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
Key first-round matchups include the New York Knicks against the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Injuries affect the field, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out and Kevin Durant listed as questionable.

Summary

Magic Dominate Hornets

The Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 in a play-in game to secure the No. 8 seed.
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner scored 25 and 18 points, respectively.
The Magic built a 35-point halftime lead, the largest margin in play-in tournament history.
The Hornets' LaMelo Ball scored 23 points, mostly in the third quarter.
The Magic will face the Detroit Pistons in the first round starting Sunday.

History

Historical Context

The NBA introduced the play-in tournament in 2021, allowing teams ranked 7th to 10th a chance to compete for playoff spots. This format, which has roots in the league's evolving playoff structure since its inception in 1947, significantly increased viewer engagement, exemplified by the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers' matchups. The Orlando Magic's record 35-point halftime lead in 2023 highlights the tournament's impact on competitive dynamics.

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Thunder Defend Title

The 2026 NBA Playoffs begin April 18, 2026, with 16 teams contending for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, defending champions, earned the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
Key first-round matchups include the New York Knicks against the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Injuries affect the field, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out and Kevin Durant listed as questionable.

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