Ball made a layup with 4.7 seconds left for a quasi-game-winner, and Bridges sealed the win with a buzzer-beating block. The Hornets defeated the Heat 127-126 at home and will face the loser between the 7th and 8th seeds in the East in another play-in game to compete for the 8th seed playoff spot.

On April 15 Beijing time, in the NBA playoff play-in game, the Trail Blazers faced the Suns. The first quarter was very tight, with neither team able to pull away significantly. In the second quarter, the Trail Blazers surged ahead to overtake the lead, and by the end of the third quarter, they still held only a one-point advantage. Entering the decisive fourth quarter, the Suns initially built a large lead, but the Trail Blazers responded with a barrage of three-pointers to close the gap. Both sides fought fiercely until the final moments to determine the outcome.

Today, the Lakers have begun training to prepare for the first game of the series against the Rockets. Reaves also returned to the court, but he wore slippers and engaged in simple shooting drills. The team's first playoff preparation training concluded with Reaves hitting a corner three-pointer. Today, the Lakers reached what they call full roster status—meaning Reaves and Doncic are still absent. Redick reiterated that this situation will persist for some time.

Under the premise that missing the next shot would end the season, the Hornets twice escaped from peril, contributing one of the most thrilling games in play-in tournament history. In the Hornets vs. Heat play-in game, the "83-point player" only played 12 minutes before exiting due to injury, specifically because of a malicious ankle-pull by "Three-Ball." However, the Heat did not collapse after his departure; instead, they ignited stronger fighting spirit, perfectly aligning with the team's intrinsic culture.

On April 15 Beijing time, Hornets reporter Rod Boone interviewed referee crew chief Zach Zarba after the Heat vs. Hornets game, inquiring about a controversial play during the match. This incident occurred in the second quarter when LaMelo Ball ("Three Ball") pulled Adebayo's ankle, causing Adebayo to suffer a back injury and leave the court. The referees made no call at that moment and did not review the play.

On April 15 Beijing time, as the Chicago Bulls' 2025-26 season concluded, the next chapter for Bulls two-way contract player Mac McClung was officially revealed. This three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion will team up with NBA Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal, becoming the first signed player for the inaugural season of O'Neal's newly founded DUNKMAN league.

On April 15 Beijing time, according to Blazers reporter Bill Oram, the group owned by Blazers owner Dundon purchased the team for $4.25 billion, but intends to offer the head coach a contract around $1 million per year—approximately only one-fourth of the market rate.

On April 15 Beijing time, the well-known basketball analyst nicknamed "American Yang Yi," Stephen A. Smith, discussed the first-round Lakers vs. Suns matchup in his latest program and specifically highlighted Kevin Durant. "The core point I want to make is: regarding pressure, who wins or loses, and who gains or loses more, this person is Kevin Durant, without a doubt. I believe Durant is a top-ten player in NBA history.

On April 15 Beijing time, according to documents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Nike's application to register the "B9" trademark for Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James was rejected due to potential confusion with existing registered trademarks.

On April 15 Beijing time, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Redick, after leading the team's first playoff preparation practice, stated that he currently has no further updates regarding the return timelines for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves from their respective injuries. "Their return dates are uncertain," Redick said. "I won't have any updates this week. Their return dates are uncertain."