The Oklahoma City Thunder begin their playoff run Sunday against the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of a West first-round series featuring the top seed versus a battle-tested play-in survivor.
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Game 1 is set for Sunday in Oklahoma City with the Thunder hosting at Paycom Center.
Oklahoma City enters as the No. 1 seed after a 64–18 regular season, the best record in the NBA, while Phoenix secured the No. 8 seed by defeating Golden State in the play-in to clinch this matchup. The Thunder also held a 3–2 edge in the regular-season series, reinforcing their status as favorites heading into the opener.
This series opens with a clear contrast in profile. Oklahoma City has been the league’s most consistent team, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.1 PPG) and a deep, efficient roster on both ends of the floor. Phoenix, meanwhile, enters with momentum after its play-in win, powered by Devin Booker (26.1 PPG) and a roster capable of explosive scoring stretches. The quick turnaround, less than 48 hours after the play-in, adds another challenge for the Suns as they face a rested Thunder team at home.
With elite regular-season dominance, home-court advantage, and the best player in the series, Oklahoma City enters Game 1 as a heavy favorite, but Phoenix’s shot-making and late-season urgency make them a dangerous underdog capable of testing the top seed early.
This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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