Blazers Face Suns in Play-In Tournament

Portland looks to end playoff drought against confident Suns squad

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:03am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstracted basketball game between the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns, with the players' forms fractured and deconstructed into overlapping planes of color and shape.The Blazers and Suns face off in a high-stakes play-in tournament matchup, with both teams' playoff hopes on the line.Phoenix Today

The Portland Trail Blazers will travel to Phoenix to face the Suns in a high-stakes play-in tournament game on Tuesday. The Suns, led by coach Jordan Ott, are feeling confident heading into the matchup as they look to secure a spot in the NBA playoffs.

Why it matters

The Blazers are hoping to end their playoff drought, while the Suns are determined to extend their season and make the postseason. This game will have major implications for both teams' futures.

The details

The Suns, who finished the regular season with a strong record, are hosting the Blazers in the play-in tournament. Portland is looking to return to the playoffs after missing out last season. Suns coach Jordan Ott has expressed confidence in his team's mindset and preparation for the crucial matchup.

  • The play-in tournament game will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Jordan Ott

The head coach of the Phoenix Suns.

Portland Trail Blazers

An NBA team looking to end their playoff drought by defeating the Suns in the play-in tournament.

Phoenix Suns

An NBA team that finished the regular season strong and is hosting the Blazers in the play-in tournament, confident in their ability to secure a playoff spot.

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What they’re saying

“We're feeling good and ready to take care of business on our home court.”

— Jordan Ott, Head Coach, Phoenix Suns

What’s next

The winner of the Blazers-Suns play-in game will advance to the NBA playoffs, while the loser's season will come to an end.

The takeaway

This high-stakes play-in tournament matchup between the Blazers and Suns will have major implications for both teams' playoff aspirations, as Portland looks to end its drought and Phoenix aims to secure a postseason berth.