Saturday, April 18, 2026

NBA Playoffs: Magic, Clippers Advance To Face Conference Top Seeds

 The NBA Playoffs concluded their "Play-In Tournament" with two games on Friday.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At the Kia Center, Orlando, Florida:


Paolo Banchero scored 25 points as the Orlando Magic, with all five starters scoring in double-digits, smothered the visiting Charlotte Hornets 121-90 to advance to the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, where they will take on the top-seeded Detroit Pistons beginning in The Motor City on Sunday.


LaMelo Ball paced the now-eliminated Hornets with 23 points.




WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, Arizona:


Jalen Green scored 36 points while Devin Booker added 20 points before he was ejected as the Phoenix Suns topped the visiting Golden State Warriors 111-96 to advance to the Western Conference quarterfinals where they will face the top-seeded and defending NBA titlists Oklahoma City Thunder, starting in the Sooner State's Capital city on Sunday.


Brandin Podziemski paced the low-eliminated Warriors with 23 points while grabbing 10 rebounds.

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