The final game of the NBA Play-In Tournament features a high-stakes battle between the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns, where the winner will secure the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference and move on to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. This matchup brings together two experienced teams with very different recent journeys.
The Warriors enter with strong momentum after a dramatic comeback win against the Clippers, showing their championship mindset in pressure situations. On the other hand, the Suns are coming off a painful home loss where they let a double-digit lead slip away late in the game, forcing them into this must-win scenario. While Phoenix has the advantage of playing at home and a more stable lineup, Golden State carries confidence, better head-to-head results this season, and a proven core that knows how to perform in elimination games. This game is expected to be tight, tactical, and intense, with every possession carrying huge importance.
Match Information
Match
Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns
Tournament
NBA Play-In Tournament 2026
Date
April 17, 2026
Tip-Off Time
10:00 PM ET
Venue
Phoenix Home Arena
Broadcast
Prime Video
Team Records
Team
Record
Seed
Phoenix Suns
45–37
No. 7
Golden State Warriors
37–45
No. 10
Phoenix finished higher in the standings, but Golden State has already shown they can upset stronger teams.
Head-to-Head Record
Category
Warriors
Suns
Season Record
3 Wins
1 Win
Last Match
Win
Loss
Golden State has dominated this matchup during the season and holds a clear advantage.
Recent Form
Phoenix Suns Last Matches
Date
Opponent
Result
Apr 15
Trail Blazers
Loss
Apr 13
Thunder
Win
Apr 11
Lakers
Loss
Apr 9
Mavericks
Win
Apr 8
Rockets
Loss
The Suns have been inconsistent, especially in closing out games.
Golden State Warriors Last Matches
Date
Opponent
Result
Apr 16
Clippers
Win
Apr 13
Clippers
Loss
Apr 11
Kings
Loss
Apr 10
Lakers
Loss
Apr 8
Kings
Win
The Warriors are coming off a huge win and will look to carry that momentum forward.
Injury Report
Golden State Warriors
Player
Status
Jimmy Butler
Out
Moses Moody
Out
Quinten Post
Out
Key Veterans
Managing Minutes
Phoenix Suns
Player
Status
Starting Lineup
Available
Key Rotation
Fit
Phoenix enters with a healthier roster, while Golden State continues to deal with absences.
Probable Starting Lineups
Golden State Warriors
Position
Player
PG
Stephen Curry
SG
Podziemski
SF
Support Wing
PF
Draymond Green
C
Porzingis
Phoenix Suns
Position
Player
PG
Primary Guard
SG
Devin Booker
SF
Wing Scorer
PF
Forward
C
Center
Key Players to Watch
Golden State Warriors
Player
Role
Stephen Curry
Main scorer and leader
Draymond Green
Playmaker and defense
Porzingis
Stretch big and scoring option
Phoenix Suns
Player
Role
Devin Booker
Primary scorer
Supporting Cast
Secondary scoring
Defense Unit
Key strength
Curry’s form will be crucial, while Booker carries the scoring responsibility for Phoenix.
Team Performance Comparison
Category
Warriors
Suns
Offense
Ball movement, high assists
Slower, isolation-based
Defense
Aggressive, forces turnovers
Strong half-court defense
Experience
Championship core
Playoff experienced
Momentum
Strong comeback win
Recent collapse
Golden State has the edge in experience, while Phoenix has structure and balance.
Betting Odds
Market
Odds
Spread
Suns -2.5
Warriors Spread
+2.5
Moneyline Suns
-150
Moneyline Warriors
+125
Total Points
219–220
The game is expected to be close, with Phoenix slightly favored.
Golden State’s ball movement and perimeter shooting are key strengths.
Best Picks for the Game
Market
Pick
Spread
Suns -2.5
Alternative
Warriors +3.5
Total
Under 220 (lean)
The game could stay close, with Phoenix slightly more likely to edge it at home.
Predicted Score
Team
Score
Phoenix Suns
112
Golden State Warriors
109
Final Prediction
This play-in clash is expected to be one of the closest games of the tournament. The Phoenix Suns have the advantage of home court, a healthier squad, and a strong defensive setup, which could help them control the tempo. However, the Golden State Warriors bring unmatched experience and confidence after their comeback win, with Stephen Curry leading from the front. The key difference may come down to consistency and depth, where Phoenix looks slightly stronger at this stage. Expect a tight contest that goes down to the final minutes, but the Suns are more likely to hold their nerve and secure the final playoff spot.
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