Magic and Hornets face do-or-die play-in clash Friday in 2026

Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets play Friday with the Eastern Conference's eighth seed on the line and a playoff spot for the winner.

Play-in tournament stakes Four teams face elimination Friday as the NBA play-in tournament reaches its final showdowns. The victor in each matchup secures a first-round series spot while the loser’s season concludes. Two contests take center stage: one in the East between the Magic and Hornets, and another in the West featuring the Warriors and Suns. ## Eastern Conference showdown The Orlando Magic host the Charlotte Hornets with the winner claiming the Eastern Conference’s No. 8 seed. Orlando fell to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, while Charlotte earned its spot by defeating the Miami Heat on Tuesday. The victor will face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the first round. Charlotte last made the playoffs in 2016 and won the season series against Orlando 3-1, with all three wins by at least 15 points. The Magic aim to qualify for the postseason for a third straight year. ## Western Conference battle Out West, the Golden State Warriors travel to face the Phoenix Suns for the No. 8 seed. Portland topped Phoenix on Tuesday, then Golden State bounced back the next night to defeat the LA Clippers. The triumphant side will meet the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening round. Golden State led their regular-season series 3-1, but their latest meeting on February 5 did not include Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, or Jalen Green. Curry recently erupted for 35 points, including 27 in the second half, against the Clippers. ## Live coverage The fate of four teams hangs in the balance as the play-in tournament concludes Friday. Follow every pivotal moment to see which franchises extend their seasons and which ones head home. The outcomes will set the stage for the first-round matchups across both conferences.