Phoenix Suns vs the Central Division
By Patrick Nash
The Phoenix Suns vs the Central Division
CAVALIERS: 3/13, 3/23
PISTONS: 11/29, 3/20
BUCKS: 11/22, 1/22
PACERS: 1/14, 1/24
BULLS: 11/19, 11/28
*Bold denotes home games
The Central Division is arguably the toughest division in the Eastern Conference, although that isn’t saying too much.
The Phoenix Suns match up well with a few of the teams that make the Central Division their home. Home to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, and Chicago Bulls, this division will be a real test to see where this young Phoenix Suns team stands.
It is also home to the best player in the world, LeBron James, as well as the possible the next best player in the world, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Although it is almost guaranteed the Suns have little to know chance against two of these teams, let’s do a breakdown of what we can expect from this division this season.
CHICAGO BULLS
2016-17 Record: 1-1
2017-18 Prediction: 1-1
The Bulls are probably the closest team in the East to the Suns. Coming off of a decent season of 41–41 last year, the Bulls are a mish mash of young talent, borderline NBA talent, and overpaid veterans.
The Bulls saw the loss of both Jimmy Butler (traded to Minnesota in the offseason) as well as buying out the contract of future hall of famer Dwayne Wade. Additionally, the Bulls have had their fair share of negative headlines lately with the loss of Nokola Mirotic for the foreseeable future (at the hands of Bobby Portis), although they have an ace up their sleeve with Coach Fred Hoiberg.
Luckily, the Suns play the Bulls early enough that they may be able to catch Chicago off guard in at least one of these games. Both of the games against the Bulls comes early in the season, 11/19 at home and 11/28 on the road.
Players to watch: Zach LaVine, Chris Dunn
Milwaukee Bucks
2016-17 Record: 0-2
2017-18 Prediction: 0-2
The Bucks are coming off a decent season last year with a 42 – 40 record, and look to improve on that record this year.
Future best player in the world Giannis Antetokounmpo is constantly getting better and with Rookie of the Year winner Malcom Brogdon, the Bucks are in prime position to jump ahead in a newly weakened Eastern Conference.
The Suns don’t have someone on the level of Antetokounmpo on their roster. At least not currently. Round it out with center Thon Maker and the Suns will have a tough time keeping up with the Bucks. Last season Antetokounmpo had a dominant display against the Suns last year and doesn’t look like he will be slowed down this year.
The two games are split up with their first game coming 11/22 at home and 1/22 on the road.
Players to watch: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Malcom Brogdon
Cleveland Cavaliers
2016-17 record: 0-2
2017-18 prediction: 0-2
The Cavs swept the Suns last year when they met for two games in January. But, the Suns actually put up a fight when they played the Cavs at home losing by only four points.
Last year Phoenix had a knack for keeping the games relatively close with some of the top teams.
The Cavaliers roster did go through some changes this offseason. Kyrie is now out of the picture and has been replaced by Isaiah Thomas (with no current timetable of return from a hip injury). They also added Jae Crowder to the roster in the trade involving Irving.
Veterans Derrick Rose and Dwayne Wade were signed as free agents. This roster is put together to compete for a championship and realistically should have no problem dispatching this young Suns team. Both games against the Cavs comes late in the season with the 3/13 matchup at home and 3/23 in Cleveland.
Players to watch: LeBron James, Isaiah Thomas
Indiana Pacers
2016-17 record: 1-1
2017-18 prediction: 1-1
Like the Bulls, the Indiana Pacers had an up and down offseason. They lost all-star Paul George in a trade with Oklahoma City; they gained Victor Oladipo and Cory Joseph via trade (Oklahoma City Thunder and Toronto Raptors respectively); but, with a loss like Paul George, it is always difficult to predict how a team is going to adjust. Last year’s win came early in the season with Brandon Knight as the Suns’ high scorer. My how times have changed. The new look Pacers didn’t make too many improvements this offseason and have arguably gotten worse. Myles Turner has shown improvements but it may not be enough to sweep the Suns. Phoenix should be able to pull out one victory against this Pacers team.
Players to watch: Victor Oladipo, Myles Turner
Detroit Pistons
2016-17 record: 1-1
2017-18 prediction: 1-1
The Pistons are in an awkward position this year. They are a midlevel team in the East that doesn’t always play up to their talent level. Their best player is center Andre Drummond which, in today’s NBA, is kind of unheard of. On one hand, they lost one of their better scorers and defenders in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. On the other, they traded away a solid piece in Marcus Morris for Avery Bradley. Bradley is a solid replacement for KCP but the loss of Morris may be an issue this year. The Pistons are stacked at the guard position this year and although they have a solid group of forwards there isn’t much behind Toby Harris. The Suns should be able to pull out at least one win against this team the way it is currently put together.
Players to watch: Avery Bradley, Andre Drummond