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NBA Play-In Tournament Predictions 2026: Picks for Every Game

Yahoo Sports

The 2025-26 NBA regular season has come to a close, leading us to a Play-In Tournament field that was largely […]

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The 2025-26 NBA regular season has come to a close, leading us to a Play-In Tournament field that was largely determined well before the 82nd game of the season. Now that the matchups are set, it’s time to predict how the matchups will unfold.

Let’s dive into our 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament Predictions. (8) Portland Trail Blazers vs (7) Phoenix Suns Soobum Im-Imagn Images The Phoenix Suns went 2-1 in their head-to-head meetings against the Portland Trail Blazers during the regular season, posting a +7 point differential. It is worth noting, however, that Devin Booker didn’t play in either of the two February matchups and Deni Avdija played just 1 minute in the two contests.

One key in this matchup will be what Phoenix gets out of Devin Booker. He scored 30-plus points in 24 regular-season games, but the Suns posted just a . 500 record when it happened.

Portland’s physicality could also pose a real problem for Phoenix, especially since so many of its key players are banged-up. In a tight game, we’re picking the Trail Blazers to pull off the surprise on the road. Prediction: Portland Trail Blazers 121, Phoenix Suns 118 Read More: 2026 NBA Draft Lottery Odds, Date (10) Golden State Warriors vs (9) Los Angeles Clippers Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images An NBA Play-In Tournament battle between Stephen Curry and Kawhi Leonard, that’s a recipe for greatness.

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