The Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, and Minnesota Timberwolves will factor into the play-in tournament - but none will be in danger of being passed by the Suns, as it became mathematically impossible this week. The two squads that Phoenix will duke it out with over the last week-plus of the season:

While the Phoenix Suns improved their play to end March — they went 7-8 in the month — their position in the standings remains the same as it was to start the month: in 11th place, a game outside the Play-In.

Then to make matters worse, Kevin Durant suffered a left ankle sprain in the third quarter, didn’t return and won’t fly out with the team Monday to Milwaukee. The Suns begin at three-game road trip Tuesday against the Bucks in Mike Budenholzer's return to Milwaukee to face the team that fired him after the 2022-23 season.

Devin Booker last missed the playoffs in the 2019-20 season with Phoenix. He spoke candidly about where the team is now.

Here's a look at the Western Conference playoff standings and where the Phoenix Suns find themselves in the battle to make the play-in.

Booker lost balance in the air, if such a thing is possible, falling back, his left leg swinging out in front of him. His right foot touched the floor first and Booker threw back his arms, bracing for impact. He ended up on his back, legs spread, head slightly raised, eyes on Durant across the court, a familiar pose for Suns fans.

Phoenix dropped to 35-40 on the season and 1.5 games back of the final Western Conference play-in spot after a humiliating 148-109 loss to the Houston Rockets Sunday. This was the Suns' largest loss of the season. In addition to the loss, Kevin Durant went down in the third quarter and did not return with a sprained left ankle.

With a recent record of 2 wins and 3 losses, they are caught in a whirlwind of tough matchups against elite teams, a situation that is drawing concern among fans and analysts alike. This article will explore the struggles faced by the Suns,