The final NBA playoff spot~ Warriors starters Santos + Draymond Green + Porzingis + Podziemski + Curry; Suns starters Goodwin + Dillon + Iguodaro + Jalen Green + Booker. In the first play-in game, Warriors 126-121 Clippers; Suns 110-114 Trail Blazers. It was thought the Warriors could ride the momentum of their first win to overpower the Suns, but unexpectedly the situation unfolded differently.

In the first quarter, the Suns got into rhythm quickly, with Goodwin and Dillon firing from outside, Iguodaro delivering a dunk, and Jalen Green also hitting from beyond the arc, helping the Suns secure a dream start of 13-2.

On April 18 Beijing time, the Magic eliminated the Hornets in the play-in game, securing the last playoff spot in the East. Their first-round opponent is the top-ranked Pistons. Cunningham and Banchero will face off in a top pick showdown. The official website predicts the Pistons will ultimately eliminate the Magic 4-1 and advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Pistons have consistently held the top spot in the East this season, performing far beyond expectations; the Magic have been disappointing, barely locking up the eighth seed until the final play-in game.

Beijing time April 18th, according to Spurs reporter Tom Orsborn, Stephon Castle has understood during his two seasons with the Spurs: from Gregg Popovich, you will always get straightforward and honest words. The 2024–25 NBA Rookie of the Year said after today's training session: "Having such a senior figure to confide in has greatly helped me and many teammates."

On April 18 Beijing time, the NBA officially released the injury report for the first game between the Rockets and Lakers. For the Rockets, VanVleet (recovering from right knee ACL surgery) and Adams (recovering from left ankle surgery) are out, while Durant (right knee contusion) is listed as questionable. For the Lakers, Doncic (left hamstring strain) and Reaves (left oblique strain) are absent.

On April 18 Beijing time, the Philadelphia 76ers are set to begin their first-round playoff matchup on Monday, facing the Boston Celtics away. The attention of the entire team and the outside world is focused on Embiid. This interior core underwent an appendectomy surgery on April 10 while the team was away playing against the Houston Rockets, and has been resting and recovering since then. Currently, he has been confirmed to miss the first game of the playoffs.

On April 18 Beijing time, Hall of Fame basketball player Oscar Schmidt, revered by Brazilians as "Holy Hand," passed away on Friday local time at the age of 68. Schmidt's family released a statement stating that he battled a brain tumor courageously for 15 years, always brave, dignified, and resilient, living a life of perseverance, generosity, and passion, serving as an example to the world.

On April 18 Beijing time, Clippers basketball operations president Lawrence Frank reiterated at today's season wrap-up press conference: the team plans to keep Kawhi Leonard and Tyronn Lue long-term. "Our plan is to compete for championships alongside Kawhi (Leonard)," Frank stated. "The club has already demonstrated through actions that we desire to sustain competitiveness and are focused on pursuing victories.

On April 18 Beijing time, the 2025-26 regular season has officially concluded, the play-in tournament ends today, and the 2026 NBA playoffs are ready to begin. This season saw many career milestones, and as the playoff curtain rises, a large number of historical records are poised to be rewritten.

On April 18 Beijing time, Hall of Fame-bound coach Doc Rivers officially announced his retirement, stepping down as an NBA head coach, during Bill Simmons' podcast. The 64-year-old Rivers spanned 27 years in his coaching career, leading the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks. His regular-season record totals 1194 wins and 866 losses, a winning percentage of 58.