By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The final stage of the 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament on Friday carries a significant European presence as teams battle for the remaining postseason spots.
In a Western Conference clash at the Mortgage Matchup Center, the Golden State Warriors are monitoring the status of Latvian star Kristaps Porzingis. The 30-year-old Liepaja native is currently listed as questionable due to right ankle soreness and will undergo testing during shootaround to determine his availability. While head coach Steve Kerr can benefit from the presence of Dutch forward Malevy Leons, fellow Dutchman Quinten Post remains sidelined for right foot injury management, joining Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody on the injury report. Their opponents, the Phoenix Suns, face their own depth concerns with Grayson Allen and Mark Williams both designated as questionable.
The Eastern Conference action shifts to the Kia Center, where the Orlando Magic host the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets are awaiting clarity on the status of French starting center Moussa Diabate, who is dealing with left hip soreness. Despite this uncertainty, France’s Tidjane Salaun and Great Britain’s Tosan Evbuomwan are both cleared to compete. The hosts also face injury questions regarding Jonathan Isaac’s knee, but they boast a deep European contingent ready for action from German brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner to their compatriot Tristan da Silva, and Georgia’s Goga Bitadze and France’s Noah Penda as well.
The winners of these matchups will secure the final seeds in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google. The Warriors or the Suns will move on to a daunting opening-round series against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, with the survivor between the Hornets and Magic advancing to face the Detroit Pistons in a best-of-seven series.
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