Despite the Portland Trail Blazers missing out on this season's NBA play-in tournament, the excitement continues with thrilling matchups set to unfold in both the Western and Eastern Conferences. Tonight marks the start of these crucial games, offering fans a chance to witness which teams will secure their spots in the playoffs. This recap provides a summary of the key details surrounding these matches and their implications for the playoff brackets.

On Day 1 of the NBA play-in tournament, two significant games are scheduled. In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks face off against the Orlando Magic at 4:30 p.m. Pacific time on TNT. The victor of this contest will move forward as the No. 7 seed to challenge the Boston Celtics in the first round. Meanwhile, the loser will compete against the winner of Wednesday’s Miami Heat/Chicago Bulls game to determine the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

In the Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies take on the Golden State Warriors at 7 p.m. Pacific time, also airing on TNT. The outcome of this match will decide who progresses as the No. 7 seed to face the Houston Rockets in the opening round. Similar to the East, the losing team will have another opportunity by playing the winner of the Dallas Mavericks/Sacramento Kings game to secure the No. 8 position in the West.

The stakes are high as each team strives to advance further into the playoffs. Fans across the nation eagerly anticipate the action-packed evening, ready to engage in discussions about the performances and strategies that could define the outcomes.

Tonight’s games promise to be pivotal moments in the NBA calendar, setting the stage for an exciting playoff season. As the basketball world focuses on these critical matchups, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and hope for what lies ahead in the competition. Fans are encouraged to join together in celebrating the sport and enjoying the vibrant spring weather in cities like Portland.