Apr 13, 2026 - Sports

Blazers get 2 shots at playoff berth

Kale Williams

Two Portland Trail Blazers players shake hands on the court: Henderson #00 on the left and #35 with a headband on the right, crowd in the background. — Time to step up. Photo: Soobum Im/Getty Images

The Portland Trail Blazers have two chances to extend their season as the NBA play-in gets underway this week.

Why it matters: A single win will put Rip City back in the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

State of play: As the No. 8 seed, the Blazers will face the No. 7 Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. A win in that game puts them into the playoffs against the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.

If they lose to Phoenix, the Blazers will play Friday in a do-or-die game against the winner of the other Western Conference play-in game, either the Golden State Warriors or the Los Angeles Clippers.
If the Blazers come out of Friday's game with a win, they'll have the privilege of playing the top seed in the West and the best team in the league, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

What's next: The Blazers tip off against the Suns in Phoenix on Tuesday at 7pm, with coverage on Prime Video.

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Blazers get 2 shots at playoff berth

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