Updated April 19, 2026, 12:55 p.m. MT
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Phoenix Suns start the 2026 NBA playoffs on April 19, in opposition to defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
Game 1 of this best-of-7 first spherical sequence will probably be televised by ABC at 12:30 p.m., Arizona time.
Phoenix is again within the playoffs after failing to succeed in the postseason final 12 months.
The Suns superior to the Western Conference playoffs as an eighth seed by defeating the Golden State Warriors within the Play-In Tournament finale April 17 in Phoenix.
Oklahoma City is the highest total seed within the playoffs. The Thunder went 3-2 in opposition to Phoenix within the common season.
The Suns have Mark Williams (left foot soreness) and Grayson Allen (left hamstring pressure) listed as questionable. Thomas Sorber is the one Oklahoma City participant listed on the group’s damage report as he’s out beneath proper ACL surgical restoration.
Oklahoma City is a 14.5-point favorite to win Game 1 over the Suns.
Game 2 is April 22 in Oklahoma City.
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Williams out, Allen in
The Phoenix Suns will probably be with out Mark Williams for a second straight recreation with what the group is describing as left foot soreness. The 7-footer missed 15 consecutive video games with left foot third metatarsal stress response.
Grayson Allen is obtainable to play after being listed as questionable with a left hamstring pressure. He was obtainable for the play-in win over Golden State, however did not play.
“Just all hands on deck,” stated Suns coach Jordan Ott pregame. “You never know the situation that could come up. He’s been through the wars. He can hop in there end of game, end of quarter. Some situations that we would need him. So he was ready to go.”
The Suns will begin Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Jordan Goodwin, Dillon Brooks and Oso Ighodaro instead of Williams.
The Thunder are beginning Lu Dort, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Have opinions in regards to the present state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, previously Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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