The NBA playoffs will start on Saturday, but there are still active players who have not appeared in games past the regular season. While some players are staples in the postseason, others are still looking for their first stint in the games that really matter.
After the Orlando Magic (East) and the Phoenix Suns (West) clinched the No. 8 seeds on Friday, here is the updated list of players waiting for their playoff debut.
#5. Lonzo Ball
In seven seasons and after 322 games, the NBA playoffs continue to elude Lonzo Ball. The oft-injured point guard had a chance to break that streak, but the Cleveland Cavaliers, one of the top contenders, traded him to the Utah Jazz, one of the worst teams in the league.
Utah waived Ball immediately after the trade. The point guard couldn’t find a team willing to sign him, so his quest for a playoff appearance will continue next season.
#4. Tre Jones
Tre Jones is fourth on the list with 362 games without reaching the NBA playoffs. Jones is a bit unlucky after spending four and a half seasons with the San Antonio Spurs before the team became a championship contender.
After the Spurs traded him to the Chicago Bulls last season, Jones still hasn’t played in the postseason.
#3. Collin Sexton
Collin Sexton had a shot at an NBA playoffs appearance this season. However, the Charlotte Hornets traded him to the Chicago Bulls for Colby White. While the Hornets nearly earned a postseason berth, the team eventually fell a little short.
Chicago isn’t expected to be a playoff team next season, which will likely allow Sexton to add to his tally of 475 non-playoff games.
#2. Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen finished his ninth season in the league (492 games) without participating in the playoffs. As Utah’s franchise cornerstone, a postseason appearance is not likely to be around for the Finnish next season.
#1. Miles Bridges
Miles Bridges came close to ending a 501-game streak without punching a ticket to the NBA playoffs. As the play-in tournament doesn’t count as a playoff game, Bridges is still looking for that opportunity.
If the Hornets continue their upward trend, Bridges could finally break through next season.
3 Players Who Will Be in NBA Playoffs for First Time
The 2026 NBA playoffs will feature at least three players who will be appearing in the postseason for the first time.
#3. Devin Vassell
Devin Vassell survived the San Antonio Spurs’ five-year absence from the NBA playoffs. This year, the Spurs, owners of the second-best record in the league, are considered bona fide championship contenders.
With San Antonio hosting the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, Vassell will end a streak of 370 games without a playoff game.
#2. Deni Avdija
Deni Avdija, the Blazers’ All-Star forward, will join Vassell on the list of first-time playoff newbies. Avdija played 425 regular-season games before reaching the playoffs.
Portland earned the No. 7 seed after it beat the Suns 114-110 on Tuesday.
#1. Keldon Johnson
No Spur has had so many heartaches over the past five years as Keldon Johnson. The team’s heart and soul played in 452 games before finally arriving in the NBA playoffs.
Together with Vassell, they will try to help the Spurs end Deni Avdija’s playoff debut.
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