Valley of the Suns
Fansided

A brief list of 2018-19 Phoenix Suns matchups to look for

By Chad Boyles

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 03: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns in action against Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 3, 2017 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Suns 120-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 03: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns in action against Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 3, 2017 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Suns 120-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 27: Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Isaiah Thomas look on during USAB Minicamp at Mendenhall Center on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus on July 27, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 27: Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Isaiah Thomas look on during USAB Minicamp at Mendenhall Center on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus on July 27, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5.  The Suns take on some of the league’s best

It is always fun to watch your favorite team take on the leagues most premier teams.

However, contrary to the recent past, the Suns should come out looking to be a bit more competitive than they have been, adding Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, veteran Trevor Ariza, among others, and a new head coach.

The Suns looked particularly sharp against the Thunder last year and hopefully for Thunder fans, Paul George‘s ankles are fully recovered from last year.

If not, hopefully Booker gives us something special to see again. Anyway, the Thunder only added talent to last year’s roster headlined by George, Steve Adams, and Russell Westbrook, but the Suns only got better too.

More from Valley of the Suns

(10/28 @ OKC, 4:00PM) (11/12 @ OKC, 6:00PM) (11/17 VS. OKC, 7:00PM) (12/28 VS. OKC, 7:00PM)

Trevor Ariza is now a Phoenix Sun. A former vital piece to the Rockets’ success, the Suns are hopeful that he will produce like he did in Houston. He will most likely have a large role for the Suns and his skill-set will be on display when the Suns take on the high-scoring, fast-paced Rockets.

Now with Carmelo Anthony, the Rockets are sure to miss Ariza’s defensive presence. Although in Mike D’Antonis system, as many suns fans know, that is not the priority.

Chris Paul, James Harden, Carmelo and company will look to make another deep playoff run. The Suns will try to slow them down.

Ariza will make his return to Houston on March 15th (5:00PM).

The other two meetings: (2/4 VS. HOU, 7:00PM) (4/7 @ HOU, 5:00PM)

The Celtics are most likely the preseason Eastern Conference favorites. Their young core is special, and with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward expected to be at full health they will be a tough test in their two matchups with the Suns, in what should be an exciting series.

Not quite as exciting as a 70-point performance though..

Booker will play at TD Garden for the second time since dropping 70 there on December 19th (5:00PM), and the Celtics will visit prior to that on November 8th (7:00PM).

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