Phoenix Suns: 5 Takeaways From The 2015-16 Schedule

Mar 2, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles past Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (3) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles past Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (3) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
4 of 6
Phoenix Suns
Mar 28, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; The Phoenix Suns mascot the Gorilla waves the flag during player introductions before the Phoenix Suns play the New York Knicks at US Airways Center. The Suns won 112-88. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

3. The Homestand In February May Make Or Break The Season

From the end of November through the beginning of the December, the Suns have their longest road trip of the season (six games). But the biggest test of the year may come in February, when they face their toughest batch of opponents for the whole 2015-16 campaign.

The good news? Nine of Phoenix’s 10 games in February come at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The bad news? Nine of those 10 games also come against teams that should be in the playoffs next season.

Check out this group of opponents: Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets (twice), Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, at Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies. Like last year’s eight-game homestand, the Suns will need to capitalize on this season’s seven-game homestand to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Last season, the Suns were a middling 22-19 at home. To make the postseason, Phoenix will need to make the most of All-Star Weekend, which breaks up the homestand and will give the team the chance to recharge its batteries.

Next: No. 2