The Phoenix Suns failed to secure the seventh seed in the NBA playoffs with a play-in tournament loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, 114-110.
Deni Avdija led Portland with 41 points, while Jalen Green missed the potential go-ahead shot in the final 10 seconds. Green led Phoenix with 35 points.
The Suns will have to play a win-or-go-home game against either the Los Angeles Clippers or Golden State Warriors on Friday at Mortgage Matchup Center for the right to be the eighth seed.
Portland clinched the seventh seed and a matchup with the 62-win San Antonio Spurs in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Suns entered the play-in tournament as the seventh seed at 45-37, needing one win at home to secure a spot in the playoff bracket.
If Phoenix clinches the eighth seed on Friday, it will take on the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. Game 1 would be Sunday at 12:30 p.m. MST.
The Suns were among the top seven seeds in the Western Conference all year, exceeding preseason expectations. If the Suns lose on Friday, however, they will miss playing in a playoff series for the second straight year.
Phoenix went 2-2 against the Clippers and 1-3 against the Warriors during the regular season.
Friday’s game will start at 7 p.m. MST.
More postgame coverage to follow on 98.7 and ArizonaSports.com.
