OKC Thunder in Familiar Spot Awaiting Play-In Results

Oklahoma City is again waiting to learn its first-round playoff opponent after the conclusion of the NBA's play-in tournament.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:19pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting breaking down an NBA basketball game into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant blue and orange colors, representing the Thunder's postseason experience.The Thunder's postseason routine of waiting for their first-round opponent is captured in a cubist, geometric deconstruction of the game action.Oklahoma City Today

The Oklahoma City Thunder, the top seed in the Western Conference, are once again in a familiar position of waiting to learn their first-round playoff opponent after the conclusion of the NBA's play-in tournament. This has become a postseason tradition for the Thunder, who have had to wait until the end of the week to find out which team - the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, LA Clippers or Golden State Warriors - will face them in Game 1 on Sunday.

Why it matters

The Thunder have had mixed results in their previous two seasons of waiting for their first-round opponent, winning a close Game 1 against the Pelicans in 2024 but then crushing the Grizzlies by 51 points in 2025. As the defending champions, the Thunder will be looking to continue their dominance in the opening round of the playoffs.

The details

The Thunder secured the top seed in the Western Conference after a strong regular season. They will have to wait until Friday night, when the play-in tournament concludes, to find out which team will be their first-round opponent. The options are the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, LA Clippers and Golden State Warriors. While waiting for their opponent is not ideal, this has become a regular occurrence for the Thunder, who have had to do the same in 2024 and 2025.

  • The NBA regular season wrapped up on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The play-in tournament will conclude on Friday, April 18, 2026, determining the Thunder's first-round opponent.
  • The Thunder will host Game 1 of the first-round series on Sunday, April 20, 2026.

The players

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the top seed in the Western Conference and the defending NBA champions.

Phoenix Suns

One of the potential first-round opponents for the Thunder, the Phoenix Suns are a Western Conference playoff team.

Portland Trail Blazers

One of the potential first-round opponents for the Thunder, the Portland Trail Blazers are a Western Conference playoff team.

LA Clippers

One of the potential first-round opponents for the Thunder, the LA Clippers are a Western Conference playoff team.

Golden State Warriors

One of the potential first-round opponents for the Thunder, the Golden State Warriors are a Western Conference playoff team.

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What they’re saying

“Ultimately, dominant teams with championship aspirations often have to wait on others to find out who their next opponent will be. Luckily for the Thunder, they've typically thrived in these situations.”

— Ivan White, Author

What’s next

The Thunder will host Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 20, 2026, against whichever team emerges from the play-in tournament as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

The Thunder's experience of waiting for their first-round opponent has become a postseason tradition, and they have shown the ability to thrive in these situations, winning their last two first-round series. As the defending champions, the Thunder will be looking to continue their dominance in the opening round of the playoffs.