Suns Locked Into Play-In After Loss to Rockets

The Phoenix Suns' regular season path to a top-6 seed is officially over. After falling 119-105 to the Houston Rockets, combined with the Timberwolves' 124-104 blowout of Indiana, Phoenix is locked into the Play-In Tournament that starts April 14.

It's been a frustrating season for a Suns team that was supposed to contend. They'll now have to win their way into the bracket through the Play-In — a dangerous proposition for any team, but especially one that's been inconsistent down the stretch.

Phoenix isn't alone in Play-In purgatory. The Miami Heat are also locked in after getting demolished 121-95 by the Toronto Raptors. The Play-In will run April 14-17, with the first round of the playoffs tipping off April 18. For the Suns, it's survive-and-advance mode from here on out.