Suspended Ceiling and Duct Conflict

Hey folks, looking for suggestions on install of grid ceiling for basement. I'm trying to keep as much headroom as possible in efforts to keep this :BangHead: from happening. It's a learn by do project.
How close can I get? I do realize I'll need to slide tiles in as I go. Is cutting a Main T height and Cross T's shorter an option for this or will they fold up on me? All comments welcome.
TIA.