Sunday Sports Showdown: Suns Host Blazers and Cactus League Heating Up
Sunday Sports Showdown: Suns Host Blazers and Cactus League Heating Up
The sports calendar is in full swing today, Sunday, February 22, 2026, across the Valley. From the hardwood of downtown Phoenix to the meticulously manicured diamonds of the Cactus League, fans have a plethora of professional options to catch their favorite athletes in action. Whether you are looking for mid-season NBA intensity or the optimistic crack of the bat that signals the start of baseball season, Phoenix is the place to be today.
NBA: Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The headline event of the evening takes place at the Mortgage Matchup Center, where the Phoenix Suns are set to host the Portland Trail Blazers. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM MST. This matchup comes at a critical juncture in the 2025-26 NBA season as the Suns look to solidify their standing in the Western Conference. Coming off a recent victory against the Orlando Magic, the Suns are looking to maintain their momentum at home. Fans can expect a high-energy atmosphere as the local favorites continue their push toward the post-season. This home stand is vital for the Suns as they navigate a dense February schedule against competitive Western rivals.
MLB: Cactus League Spring Training
For baseball enthusiasts, today marks a massive slate of Spring Training matchups across the greater Phoenix area. As the 2026 Cactus League season officially opened its first full weekend of play, today’s schedule features some of the most anticipated pairings of the early spring. Here are the key professional games taking place in the Valley today:
- Los Angeles Angels vs. Arizona Diamondbacks: 1:10 PM at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. The D-backs host their regional rivals in what is always a fan-favorite atmosphere in the East Valley.
- Kansas City Royals vs. Milwaukee Brewers (Split Squad): 1:10 PM at American Family Fields of Phoenix.
- Milwaukee Brewers (Split Squad) vs. Chicago White Sox: 1:05 PM at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.
- Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants: 1:05 PM at Scottsdale Stadium. This game is expected to be a major draw as two of the league's most dedicated fan bases descend upon Old Town Scottsdale.
- Seattle Mariners vs. Cincinnati Reds: 1:05 PM at Goodyear Ballpark.
With games spread across Glendale, Scottsdale, and Phoenix, there is no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the legendary Arizona sun. Most stadiums open their gates approximately two hours before the first pitch, allowing fans to watch batting practice and catch a glimpse of the stars of tomorrow.
Plan Your Match Day
Traffic around the Mortgage Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix and the various Spring Training ballparks is expected to be heavy throughout the afternoon. We recommend fans arrive early and consider utilizing local public transit to avoid parking delays. It is a perfect Sunday to celebrate the unique intersection of professional basketball and baseball in the heart of the desert.