The Golden State Warriors face the Phoenix Suns in a crucial Play-In Game on April 17, with the winner securing a playoff spot against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both teams are coming off tough losses but have key players like Stephen Curry and Devin Booker who could turn the tide.
Key points
Warriors and Suns compete for the eighth seed in the NBA playoffs
Warriors won their last game against the Clippers
Suns are the seventh seed with a second chance to qualify
Stephen Curry and Devin Booker are key players
Injuries may affect both teams' performance
Golden State WarriorsPhoenix SunsOklahoma City ThunderStephen Curry
Warriors vs. Suns Play-In Game predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 17
The Golden State Warriors visit the Phoenix Suns tonight at the Mortgage Matchup Center in a winner-take-all NBA Play-In finale to decide the eighth seed in the NBA’s Western Conference. The winner secures a first-round playoff date against the top-seed and defending NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The loser’s season ends tonight.
Golden State enters this matchup riding the momentum of a thrilling 126–121 comeback win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. Stephen Curry scored 27 of his 35 points in the second half to lead the Warriors comeback. Draymond Green locked down Kawhi Leonard in the second half and veteran Al Horford buried four, three-pointers in the fourth quarter to seal the win in SoCal. Despite finishing the regular season with a 37–45 record, the Warriors' championship pedigree was on full display as they erased a 13-point final-quarter deficit to keep their postseason hopes alive. There may be a minutes restriction on Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) but they can overcome that if Horford and Green turn back the clock as they did against the Clippers.
Like the Clippers, the Suns also blew a double-digit fourth quarter lead in their initial play-in game. Because they are the seventh seed, however, they get a second opportunity to qualify for the playoffs. Defense has been at the foundation of the Suns’ success this season, but make no mistake, is the key to Phoenix advancing to the playoffs. They have few scoring options outside of the former Kentucky guard. Adding to the challenge is the fact the Suns are expected to be without (hamstring) and may be without (foot). Their absences would be substantial.
Q&A
What are the predictions for the Warriors vs. Suns Play-In Game?
Predictions favor the Warriors due to their recent momentum and championship experience, despite their lower seed.
What is at stake in the Warriors vs. Suns game on April 17?
The winner of the game secures the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs, while the loser's season ends.
Who are the key players to watch in the Warriors vs. Suns matchup?
Key players include Stephen Curry for the Warriors and Devin Booker for the Suns, both crucial for their teams' success.
What injuries could impact the Warriors vs. Suns Play-In Game?
The Suns may be without Grayson Allen and Mark Williams, while the Warriors have a potential minutes restriction on Kristaps Porzingis.
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Tonight's game is the fifth meeting between these Pacific Division rivals this year, with the Warriors holding a 3–1 regular-season advantage.
Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy ofDraftKingsrecent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Warriors vs. Suns
Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 10PM EST
Site: Mortgage Matchup Center
City: Phoenix, AZ
Network/Streaming: Prime Video
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Game Odds: Warriors vs. Suns
The latest odds as of Friday courtesy ofDraftKings:
Moneyline: Golden State Warriors (+130), Phoenix Suns (-155)
Spread: Suns -3.5
Total: 219.5 points
This game opened Suns -3.5 with the Total set at 219.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Jimmy Butler (knee) has been declared OUT of tonight’s game
Moses Moody (knee) has been declared OUT of tonight’s game
Quinten Post (foot) has been declared OUT of tonight’s game
Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Phoenix Suns
Mark Williams (foot) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Grayson Allen (hamstring) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Warriors vs. Suns
The Suns are 25-17 at home this season
The Warriors are 16-26 on the road this season
The Suns are 46-34-3 ATS this season
Golden State is 35-47-1 ATS this season
The OVER has cashed in 50 of the Warriors’ 83 games this season (50-33)
The OVER has cashed in 38 of the Suns’ 83 games this season (38-45)
Not one Warrior pulled down more than 7 rebounds in the win over the Clippers
Rotoworld Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s Warriors and Suns’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Warriors on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Warriors +3.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Total of 219.5
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