Suns Waiting on Two Teams for Play-In Matchup

Phoenix will host a play-in tournament game on Tuesday, but their opponent is still to be determined.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:21pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, vibrant colors depicting a basketball game or match broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes, conceptually representing the high-stakes intensity of the Suns' upcoming play-in tournament game.The Suns' high-stakes play-in tournament matchup is rendered in a cubist, geometric style that captures the intensity and unpredictability of the win-or-go-home contest.Phoenix Today

The Phoenix Suns have clinched the seventh seed in the Western Conference and will host a play-in tournament game on Tuesday. However, their opponent has not yet been finalized, as it will depend on the outcomes of the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers vs. Sacramento Kings games on Monday night.

Why it matters

The Suns are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021, and the outcome of their play-in game will determine their first-round opponent. Phoenix has had success against both potential opponents - the Trail Blazers and Clippers - during the regular season, but each team presents unique challenges.

The details

The Suns won their season series against the Trail Blazers 2-1, with both of their wins coming by large margins. However, Portland did hand Phoenix a 77-point loss earlier in the season. The Suns and Clippers split their season series 2-2, with the games being mostly defensive battles. Regardless of the opponent, the Suns appear ready and confident, led by veteran Devin Booker.

  • The play-in tournament game will take place on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The Clippers vs. Warriors and Blazers vs. Kings games that will determine the Suns' opponent will be played on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Devin Booker

A veteran guard for the Phoenix Suns who has significant playoff experience and is looking forward to the play-in tournament.

Dillon Brooks

A Suns forward who believes Phoenix will ultimately play the Portland Trail Blazers in the play-in game.

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What they’re saying

“They're big. They play well in the paint which we've struggled against but we'll find a way. We'll have to go after their mismatches and the different things they present that they're weak at and exploit it.”

— Dillon Brooks, Suns Forward

“I've been here before. I might have the most playoff experience on the team. I live for these moments. I'm looking forward to the play-in, this is what you train all summer for. This is what situations that I imagine myself in, in the summer. Not time to shy away from it.”

— Devin Booker

What’s next

If the Suns win their play-in tournament game on Tuesday, they will be secured into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed and will face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round. If they lose, they will play a second matchup against the winner of the 9/10 seeded matchup for the eighth and final playoff spot.

The takeaway

The Suns have defied preseason expectations and are now in position to make the playoffs for the first time in several years. Their play-in tournament game will be a crucial test, as they await the outcome of Monday's games to determine their opponent. Veteran leadership from Devin Booker and the team's regular-season success against both potential opponents have the Suns feeling confident heading into the high-stakes matchup.