Phoenix Suns rooting guide for every Christmas Day game

Phoenix Suns Deandre Ayton (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns Deandre Ayton (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns T.J. Warren (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics (3:30 pm MST)

The Suns nearly beat the Celtics earlier this season, jumping out to a 20 point lead at the half before eventually losing in overtime. They avenged that loss recently in an eight point win that extended their winning streak to four games, the longest it would get, and the longest it’s been in three and a half years.

The Suns also played the Sixers well in their one meeting in Philly, but they were ultimately unable to close out a win. There’s a bit of a fun rivalry going on between Suns’ budding star center Deandre Ayton and 76ers’ current star center Joel Embiid, but they do seem to get along pretty well.

The Celtics have former future Suns point guard Kyrie Irving and current future Suns point guard Terry Rozier. Irving almost certainly won’t be a Sun next year, but it’s still possible Rozier could be if the Suns are willing to pay. That’s a decent reason to root for his success.

But the Celtics also have former Sun Marcus Morris, and he’s turned into a major piece of their rotation. He didn’t leave Phoenix on good terms, which is good enough cause to root for the Sixers instead.