Suns and Trail Blazers meet in NBA Play-In Tournament

The winner will secure the 7th seed in the Western Conference Playoffs.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action and movement of a basketball game, with the players and court rendered in sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color.The intense play-in matchup between the Suns and Trail Blazers will showcase the raw energy and competitive spirit of the NBA Playoffs.Phoenix Today

The Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers will face off in the NBA Playoffs Play-In Tournament, with the winner earning the 7th seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. The Suns are led by Devin Booker, while the Trail Blazers are without injured star Damian Lillard.

Why it matters

This play-in game is crucial for both teams as they look to secure a playoff spot. The Suns are hoping to build on their recent success, while the Trail Blazers are aiming to make a postseason run despite Lillard's absence.

The details

The Suns have a 45-37 record and are the 7th seed in the West, while the Trail Blazers are 42-40 and the 8th seed. Phoenix has been led by Devin Booker, who is averaging 23.8 points over the last 10 games. Portland has relied on Donovan Clingan and Deni Avdija in Lillard's absence, with Avdija averaging 24.5 points per game in the last 10 contests.

  • The play-in game will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 10 p.m. EDT.
  • The winner will secure the 7th seed in the Western Conference Playoffs.

The players

Devin Booker

The star guard for the Phoenix Suns, averaging 23.8 points and 2.8 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Donovan Clingan

The Trail Blazers' center, averaging a double-double of 12.1 points and 11.6 rebounds per game.

Deni Avdija

The Trail Blazers' forward, averaging 24.5 points per game over the last 10 contests.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This play-in game is going to be a battle. Both teams are hungry to make the playoffs and will be giving it their all.”

— Devin Booker, Suns Guard

“We may be the underdogs without Damian, but we're not going to go down without a fight. This team has shown a lot of heart all season long.”

— Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers Forward

What’s next

The winner of this play-in game will face the 2nd seed in the Western Conference Playoffs.

The takeaway

This play-in matchup between the Suns and Trail Blazers promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest, with both teams desperate to secure a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.