Las Vegas has set the Phoenix Suns’ over/under wins set at 26.5. However, based on the changes made this offseason, is that too low?
James Jones has re-shaped the Phoenix Suns’ roster this summer in a big way. And with the team’s new additions has brought higher expectations than the previous few years.
So, 27 or more wins seems manageable right?
However, now that the schedule is out and we have an idea of its strength, we can really dive into each game and get a true reality of what to expect for the Suns this year.
Wednesday. October 23 Sacramento Kings
The Phoenix Suns open their regular season at home on a Wednesday night. This will be a great way to start, given the discussions on which young core you would rather have. I believe the atmosphere will be fantastic on opening night and the Suns start off the season with a win! (1-0)
Friday. October 25 at Denver Nuggets
The first of many against the Nuggets and the Suns matchup pretty well against them, but Nikola Jokic will still be too much for DeAndre Ayton. The Nuggets will be a top-three team in the West again this year, and do not see us winning this one, therefore taking our first loss of the year. (1-1)
Saturday. October 26 L.A. Clippers
The Suns’ first look at Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will come early. The stadium will probably be packed to see those two and watch the Suns compete. The Suns will beat them at least once this year, but not this one. (1-2)
Monday. October 28 Utah Jazz
The expectations for the Jazz are through the roof this year and they have been slated as a sleeper for winning the title. Personally, I can not see them going all the way, but I do see them beating the Suns in this game. (1-3)
Wednesday. October 30 at Golden State Warriors
A very interesting game to say the least. The Warriors come to the Valley without the thoughts of going back-to-back. Not only that, but they come with prior Suns-desired point guard, D’Angelo Russell. It will be early in the year, and the Warriors will still be trying to figure it out with Russell and without Klay Thompson. The Suns will win this early matchup. (2-3)
Saturday. November 1 at Memphis Grizzlies
Again, a once sought after point guard, Ja Morant, will be in action. The Phoenix Suns are the better, more talent, the best player on the court with Devin Booker and Monty Willians, the better coach. The Suns will win this game and while it will be interesting to watch Ja, it will be even more watch Deandre Ayton and Jaren Jackson Jr. go at it. (3-3)
Monday. November 4 Philadelphia 76ers
The Phoenix Suns start a six game home stretch here with the Sixers. There will be some games this year where the Suns will just not be as good as their opponent that does not mean we can not or will not win the game, it will just be difficult. This is one of those games. If Joel Embiid plays like he did last year, the Sixers will win. I think we will have a problem defending Joel again and the Sixers will win with some comfort. (3-4)
Thursday. November 7 Miami Heat
The Suns will get a look at Jimmy Butler and the Heat early in the season. Butler has been a problem for them in the past, like Embiid. This is a momentum game because if the Suns lose it could turn into a tough stretch. Saying that, the Suns will win this one with a huge game from Booker. (4-4)
Sunday. November 10 Brooklyn Nets
Kyrie Irving comes to town, and contrary to many others, I think this Nets team is very good even without Kevin Durant. I do not think the Suns will be able to find a way to win this one. Kyrie will be electric and too much for the Suns. (4-5)
Tuesday. November 12 L.A. Lakers
Lakers superstars Anthony Davis and LeBron James come and visit the Suns in the first of four matchups this year. Will LeBron and Davis be playing when they play the Suns? That is a legit question because I think Phoenix can beat them if they ever both do not, but if both are on the court, the Suns will win this game though. LeBron will not being playing, and instead partaking in Taco Tuesday festivities. (5-5)
Thursday. November 14 Atlanta Hawks
Young core vs. young core. The Hawks surprised a lot of people in what they did in the draft and many favor their young core over the Phoenix Suns. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton should have something to say about that. The Suns win this game with big performances from our future cornerstone players. (6-5)
Monday. November 18 Boston Celtics
With the addition by subtraction of Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker, I really like the Celtics in the East. I also like them beating the Suns although another 70 point game from Booker would be nice. (6-6)
Tuesday. November 19 at Sacramento Kings
After losing the first matchup, the Kings will win this one from a nice performance from Phoenix native Marvin Bagley III. (6-7)
Thursday. November 21 New Orleans Pelicans
TNT. The Suns will be on national television for the only time this season, and it will also be the Suns’ first look at rookie sensation Zion Williamson. However, it will be our own rookie Cam Johnson who will get hot and be a factor in the Suns win. (7-7)
Saturday. November 23 at Minnesota Timberwolves
Karl Anthony-Towns vs. Deandre Ayton. Which one do you like more? I like Ayton, and the Suns will win in a homecoming game for Ricky Rubio. (8-7)
Sunday. November 24 at Denver Nuggets
Second night of back-to-back against a very good team with a top-10 player in the league. That does not sound like a recipe for a win, and it will not be. (8-8)
Wednesday. November 27 Washington Wizards
I hope for the Wizards’ sake John Wall is healthy and back playing quality basketball by now. However, I have no idea if that will be the case. Regardless, the Suns will win this game right before Thanksgiving. (9-8)
Friday. November 29 Dallas Mavericks
This is one of those games that is going to be tough to win. Luka Doncic is going to get better and Kristaps Porzingis will be playing with a chip on his shoulder all year long. I do not see Phoenix winning this one immediately after the holiday. (9-9)