
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will face either the Phoenix Suns or the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs. The Suns must win their next game against the Warriors to secure a playoff spot after a recent loss.
Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks for a foul call in the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
And just like that, we're down to two possible Round 1 opponents for the Oklahoma City Thunder. They will either face the Phoenix Suns or the Golden State Warriors. The NBA play-in tournament has entered its final stage with just the eighth seed up for grabs.
After their 114-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Suns will get one more chance to clinch a playoff berth. They will host the Warriors on Friday.
After looking dead in the water for over a month, the Warriors picked up a 126-121 win over the LA Clippers on Wednesday to keep their postseason hopes alive. Stephen Curry stepped up for 35 points on 12-of-23 shooting. Kristaps Porzingis and Gui Santos each scored 20 points apiece to help out.
Regardless of who advances, the Thunder should be the heavy favorite to win the Round 1 series. Over the last two years, they swept the eighth seeds. The full Round 1 schedule can be viewed here.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: OKC Thunder to face 1 of 2 teams in Round 1 of 2026 NBA playoffs
The Oklahoma City Thunder will play either the Phoenix Suns or the Golden State Warriors in the first round.
The Phoenix Suns need to win their upcoming game against the Golden State Warriors to clinch a playoff berth.
The Golden State Warriors kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating the LA Clippers 126-121, with Stephen Curry scoring 35 points.

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