Are Hornets in the playoffs? What Charlotte's Play-In win over Heat means for NBA playoff bracket originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Charlotte Hornets have plenty of passionate fans, but it had been a long time since they got to feel what they felt on Tuesday night.The Hornets earned a thrilling overtime 127-126 win over the Miami Heat in the opening game of the NBA Play-In Tournament, taking the lead on a late layup by LaMelo Ball and winning when Miles Bridges blocked Davion Mitchell's attempt at the buzzer.IT'S A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT IN CHARLOTTE pic.twitter.com/O3ssoIjelj— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) April 15, 2026The Spectrum Center was as loud as it has been in several years, if not longer, with the hope that more basketball in Charlotte is still to come.Here's what you need to know about the Hornets' playoff status and when they play next.MORE:Did LaMelo Ball trip Bam Adebayo in Play-In game?Are Hornets in the playoffs?The Hornets have not yet clinched a playoff berth.

Because they finished the regular season outside of the top eight in the East, they needed to win two games to reach the playoffs.Step one of that process is done. The Hornets avoided elimination by staving off a relentless Heat team on Tuesday night, ensuring they live to see another day. One more win is still needed to reach the playoffs.Charlotte will go on the road to play for the No. 8 seed, but the Hornets don't yet know if they will be going north or south.

They will face the loser of Wednesday's game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers for the right to play the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs.Here's what you need to know about when the Hornets will play again.When do the Hornets play next?Date: Friday, April 17Time: 7:30 p.m. ETThe Hornets will face either the Magic or 76ers on the road on Friday night, with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Charlotte won't know its opponent until Wednesday night.MORE:Prime Video technical difficulties baffle fans during Heat-Hornets thrillerNBA playoff bracket 2026Eastern Conference(1) Pistons vs. (8) TBD(2) Celtics vs. (7) TBD(3) Knicks vs. (6) Hawks(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) RaptorsWestern Conference(1) Thunder vs. (8) TBD(2) Spurs vs. (7) TBD(3) Nuggets vs. (6) Timberwolves(4) Lakers vs. (5) RocketsThe winner of Wednesday's game between the Magic and 76ers will face the Boston Celtics in the first round, leaving the Pistons as the Hornets' opponent if Charlotte can win on the road and secure the No. 8 seed.