2026 NBA Play-In: Essential Guide to Friday’s SoFi Tournament Matchups
Charlotte and Golden State won Wednesday night to reach Friday’s SoFi Tournament games. The third night of the 2026 NBA Play-In will decide the No. 8 seeds in both conferences. Filmogaz.com provides previews and predictions for Friday’s matchups.
Schedule and stakes
Both games air on Prime Video. Winners advance to face a seeded playoff opponent. Losers will miss the NBA playoffs.
| Game | Time (ET) | Broadcast | Winner advances to |
|---|---|---|---|
| (9) Charlotte Hornets at (8) Orlando Magic | 7:30 PM | Prime Video | Detroit Pistons |
| (10) Golden State Warriors at (8) Phoenix Suns | 10:00 PM | Prime Video | Oklahoma City Thunder |
East preview: Hornets at Magic
The Hornets enter as the No. 9 seed. The Magic are the No. 8 seed. Charlotte swept the season series 3-1.
Player to watch: Paolo Banchero
Banchero arrived with high expectations this season. He missed the All-Star team and saw efficiency decline. He struggled recently against the Sixers, with six turnovers and seven made baskets in that game.
Orlando has invested in him as a franchise cornerstone. A strong night from Banchero would change the Magic’s outlook.
Key matchup: LaMelo Ball vs Jalen Suggs
Ball was fined $35,000 for contact on Bam Adebayo in Charlotte’s Tuesday win. He also delivered a game-winning shot versus Miami after earlier mistakes. Ball tends to embrace decisive moments.
Suggs is known for defense but has had trouble against elite scorers. How Suggs contains Ball could decide the outcome.
Prediction
Charlotte holds the edge. The Hornets surged after the holidays and carry momentum. They beat Orlando three times by a combined 61 points.
The Magic finished unevenly and looked vulnerable late. Give Charlotte the slight advantage to reach the first round.
West preview: Warriors at Suns
Golden State qualified after rallying past the Clippers. The Warriors finished 3-1 against Phoenix in the regular season. The Suns hold the No. 8 seed.
Player to watch: Devin Booker
Phoenix kept Booker last summer and extended his deal through 2029-30. That extension includes a $75 million salary in 2029-30. Booker struggled Tuesday versus Portland and faded in the fourth quarter. He was outplayed by Deni Avdija in that game.
Booker’s shooting efficiency and three-point numbers have declined over two seasons. Phoenix needs a bounce-back from him.
Key matchup: Stephen Curry vs Dillon Brooks
Curry delivered 35 points in a recent win over the Clippers and remains the Warriors’ engine. Brooks is enjoying his best scoring season as a Sun and defends aggressively. Draymond Green’s involvement could add physical intensity to this matchup.
Prediction
Pick the Warriors. Curry can carry games when he is hot. Draymond often imposes his will in tight contests.
The Suns surprised many this season, but inconsistencies remain. Expect a high-energy contest decided by veteran shooting and grit.
These previews form an Essential Guide to Friday’s SoFi Tournament matchups as part of coverage of the 2026 NBA Play-In. Filmogaz.com will monitor developments and update analysis as needed.
