PREVIEW: The Charlotte Hornets will host the Miami Heat in a Play-In Tournament elimination game on Tuesday , with the winner advancing to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Charlotte finished with a 44-38 record and has been one of the league's best teams since January 1, posting a 33-16 record to close out the season. The Hornets rank second in three-point shooting frequency at 48.7% and boast efficient free throw shooting at 81.8%, showcasing their offensive firepower. Though Miami won the season series against Charlotte 3-1, the Hornets defeated the Heat 136-106 at home on March 17...

PREVIEW: The Portland Trail Blazers are preparing for their matchup against the Phoenix Suns for a chance to secure the No. 7 seed , with both teams carrying distinctive offensive and defensive fingerprints into this crucial contest. Portland excels at offensive rebounding, ranking second with a 30.8% rate, while also launching three-pointers at the third-highest frequency in the league at 47.0% —yet their transition game and perimeter efficiency rank among the league's worst, placing 26th and 29th respectively. The Suns, meanwhile, force turnovers at an elite level, ranking second in the NBA in this category, and boast solid offensive rebounding...