Poll: To Play-In or Not to Play-In?

[Editor's note: Welcome to Athlon Sports' poll of the day, where we ask readers to weigh in on the biggest topic of the day. Thanks for voting, and be sure to sound off in the comment section.]

The Charlotte Hornets are one win away from advancing to the playoffs after Tuesday night's 127-126 win over the Miami Heat in a play-in game, while the Portland Trail Blazers knocked off the Phoenix Suns to clinch the Western Conference's No. 7 seed and a playoff berth against the second-seeded San Antonio Srurs. There are two more games tonight: No. 8 Orlando Magic vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers and No. 10 Golden State Warriors vs. No. 9 Los Angeles Clippers.

The first round of the NBA playoffs doesn't tip off until Saturday, six days after the end of the regular season. Is that too long? Do enough fans care about the play-in tournament - which likely will produce four first-round losers - or would you rather see the playoffs start sooner?

Thanks for voting. Be sure to make your voice heard and sound off in the comments section.

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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 8:31 AM.