
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have narrowed their potential Round 1 playoff opponents to three teams following the initial play-in games. The Portland Trail Blazers secured the seventh seed and will play the San Antonio Spurs, while the Phoenix Suns await the outcome of the Warriors vs. Clippers matchup.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) fouls Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the second half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
And then there were three. The Oklahoma City Thunder dwindled their possible Round 1 opponents to just three possibilities. We saw the first batch of play-in tournament games played out on Tuesday. The eighth seed will be determined on Friday.
The Portland Trail Blazers clinched the seventh seed in a 114-110 win over the Phoenix Suns. They will face the San Antonio Spurs. Deni Avdija had a stellar postseason debut with 41 points and 12 assists. His squad survived a 24-4 run in the second half on the road.
Now, the Suns will get one more chance to get a playoff spot. They will host the winner of Wednesday's Golden State Warriors at LA Clippers matchup. Those are the three teams left that the Thunder could face.
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 these 3 teams in Round 1 of 2026 NBA playoffs
The Thunder could face the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, or LA Clippers in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
The Portland Trail Blazers won against the Phoenix Suns with a score of 114-110, securing the seventh seed in the playoffs.
The eighth seed will be determined on Friday, following the play-in tournament games.

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