Suns vs Thunder Preview: Playoff Sparks in OKC

Sunday features Phoenix visiting Oklahoma City in the regular-season finale. The Suns surprised many by staying in playoff contention after trading Kevin Durant. Devin Booker will not play, so Dillon Brooks must carry Phoenix offense and energy. Oklahoma City sits atop the West but will also rest stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. The game feels like dress rehearsal, giving role players a chance to show resilience before the playoffs.

With Booker and Grayson Allen out, Phoenix will lean on Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams, and Collin Gillespie to manage offense and defense. Brooks has been the Suns' main scorer while Williams protects the rim and grabs rebounds. Oklahoma City will use bench guards like Nikola Topic and Jared McCain to fill minutes without Shai and Chet. This matchup tests depth, because both teams must rely on role players and substitutions to keep tempo and defense steady.

This Sunday feels like a test before the play-in and playoffs. Phoenix proves it can fight without Booker, while OKC can rest starters and still win. Coaches will study rotations and late-game habits, because these moments help set playoff lineups and trust. Fans get to see young players like Jamaree Bouyea or Amir Coffey step up if injuries hold. As a regular-season finale, it matters for momentum and scouting reports.