As the NBA regular season nears its conclusion, playoff races intensify with only three weeks left until the postseason begins on April 19. Currently, 27 teams are vying for playoff berths, with the top six teams in each conference securing direct admission. The rest will compete in a play-in tournament to grab the remaining two playoff slots.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers have already clinched their playoff spots, leading their respective conferences. Meanwhile, teams like the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards have been eliminated from postseason contention. Key matchups this Sunday will significantly affect team standings, creating exciting elimination scenarios.

Kevin Durant propelled the Phoenix Suns to a thrilling 123-112 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring 42 points, alongside 6 assists and 8 rebounds. This win marked the Suns' third consecutive victory, allowing them to leapfrog the Dallas Mavericks for the 10th spot in the Western Conference, which is crucial for the play-in tournament. The Suns capitalized on strong shooting performances, particularly from Royce O'Neale who hit 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, contributing 15 points off the bench. Devin Booker added 17 points and 10 assists.

The Cavaliers, despite once leading the league with a 16-game winning streak, have now lost four straight, falling to a 56-14 record. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 18 points, while Evan Mobley and Ty Jerome each chipped in 16. The Cavaliers will aim to rebound against struggling teams like the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers in upcoming matchups.

The Cleveland Cavaliers faced a tough defeat against the Phoenix Suns, losing 123-112 with Kevin Durant shining brightly. Durant scored 42 points, including a pivotal three-pointer in the closing moments that extinguished Cleveland's hopes of a comeback. The Cavaliers, who have been struggling, managed to cut a hefty 21-point deficit down to seven with just two minutes left, but ultimately fell short.

Donovan Mitchell's performance was particularly disappointing; he shot just 2-of-18 from the field, marking a significant struggle in his game. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 18 points, but the absence of consistent scoring from Mitchell proved critical. The Suns, on the other hand, had a well-rounded performance with Devin Booker contributing 17 points and a double-double from Oso Ighodaro, who also recorded 13 rebounds.

Kevin Durant led the Phoenix Suns with a stunning 42-point performance, propelling them to a 123-112 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Eastern Conference leaders. This win marked the Suns' third consecutive victory, pushing them into play-in tournament contention in the Western Conference. Durant's explosive 19-point third quarter helped the Suns secure a comfortable lead, which they maintained throughout the final quarter.

Despite this setback, the Cavaliers remain in a strong position, though their fourth consecutive loss has tightened the race in the East, with the Boston Celtics closing in behind them. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons faced an unexpected defeat against the Dallas Mavericks, adding intrigue to the playoff scenarios as teams jockey for positioning.

In other notable performances, the Oklahoma City Thunder solidified their top seed in the West with a dominating win, showcasing their depth as eight players scored in double figures. The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, continued their impressive streak with a ninth consecutive win, fueled by Fred VanVleet's remarkable shooting display. As the playoffs approach, the intensity and stakes are rising across the league.

The Phoenix Suns are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in a critical matchup as they aim for a third consecutive win. Currently at 33-37, the Suns are fighting for a play-in spot in the Western Conference, tied with the Dallas Mavericks but holding the tiebreaker. The Cavaliers, despite leading the Eastern Conference at 56-13, have hit a rough patch, losing their last three games, including a recent defeat to the Sacramento Kings.

With Nick Richards sidelined due to calf tightness, rookie Oso Ighodaro is stepping in at center, marking a significant moment in his young career. The Suns are also missing key players like Bradley Beal and Mason Plumlee, which puts extra pressure on their remaining roster. The Cavs boast a formidable lineup, featuring stars like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, but will aim to bounce back from their recent struggles.