Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PHOENIX – There’s a difference between playing more efficient basketball and being positioned better, and for the Phoenix Suns, Tuesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers is about both. Are the Suns the favorites to come out on top?
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
Feb 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) defends against Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (24) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Against the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix isn’t just favored; they’re strategically advantaged. Oddsmakers at DraftKings listing the Suns at -4.5 at -105 reflects more than talent; it shows belief in matchup control, home-court energy, and a roster built to exploit Portland’s defensive gaps.
Currently, @DKSportsbook has the Phoenix Suns as -4.5 point favorites tomorrow night over the Portland Trail Blazers.#NBA #PhoenixSuns #PortlandTrailBlazers
— Ben Bliklen (@benbliklen) April 13, 2026
Because this isn’t just about advancing, it’s about where advancing leads. A win sets up a meeting with the San Antonio Spurs, a rival that Phoenix has quietly proven it can handle this season. On March 19, the Suns pushed San Antonio to the brink in a 101-100 loss decided by a last-second shot from Victor Wembanyama. Even shorthanded without Dillon Brooks in that matchup, Phoenix demonstrated defensive adaptability and late-game execution, two traits that translate in playoff environments.
Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (right) against San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Lose, and the equation shifts dramatically. A second play-in game against the winner of Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers introduces volatility, experience, and star power, which are variables that shrink Phoenix’s margin for error. Looming beyond it all is the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, which the Suns surely want to avoid. Why this matters, though, is that knowing your favorites at home is sure to bring a little more confidence to the locker room.
Feb 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) against Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Is Devin Booker dealing with a serious injury or just resting for the 2026 NBA play-in tournament?
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
