Suns, Trail Blazers Clash in High-Stakes Play-In Game

The Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers are scheduled to play a game in the 2026 NBA play-in tournament on April 17. This matchup is the second of the tournament's opening day and carries significant consequences for both teams' playoff fates.

The winner will secure the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs and face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round.

Playoff Implications

The outcome of this single game determines two very different paths:

• For the Winner: A direct ticket to the first round of the playoffs as the 8th seed. They will face the San Antonio Spurs, with Game 1 of that series scheduled for April 19 at the Frost Bank Center.
• For the Loser: Their season continues, but in a precarious elimination game. They will play the winner of the April 18 game between the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors. The victor of that game earns the 7th seed and a first-round matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Regular Season History

The two teams are familiar opponents, having met three times in the regular season.

• Phoenix won two of the three contests.
• Portland won the most recent meeting on February 22, 2026, with a final score of 92-77.

Multiple sources report that both teams are healthier for this play-in game than they were during their previous matchup in February.

This improved health for both squads sets the stage for a compelling and decisive rematch with a playoff berth on the line.