Phoenix Suns: Predicting Every Game of the 2021-22 Season
Phoenix Suns 2021-22 Season Predictions: December
December 2 vs Detroit Pistons: Win
The Pistons might give the Suns some trouble early on with their multiple young, fast guards. But they still lack the star power at their core to challenge Phoenix. Rookie Luka Garza and Jahlil Okafor stand as the team’s only true centers right now—good luck to them going up against Ayton.
December 3 at Golden State Warriors: Loss
Coming off a back-to-back and on the road, the tide tips away from Phoenix’s favor and leads to a Golden State victory. Resting up Phoenix’s stars against the lowly Pistons the day before to come into this matchup stronger might change things if Monty Williams goes in that direction, but with how things stand right now, it looks like a dub for the dubs.
December 6 vs San Antonio Spurs: Win
Once again, the Spurs pose no real threat to the Suns. By this point, they might even begin shopping their players to tank for a pick, making themselves less troublesome.
December 10 vs Boston Celtics: Win
The Celtics embody perhaps the largest question mark within the Eastern Conference. If Jayson Tatum takes another leap and Jaylen Brown comes back, then they become second-tier contenders. But for now, too much uncertainty makes the Suns look like the more likely winner here, especially at home.
December 13 at Los Angeles Clippers: Loss
Expect the Clippers to come back with a vengeance against the Suns, playing them for the first time since the the Western Conference Finals. That gives them an edge on their home floor, and pushes them to victory even without Kawhi Leonard.
December 14 at Portland Trail Blazers: Win
The Suns bounce back here against the Trail Blazers even without much rest. After taking a punch from the Clippers, some extra motivation arises within the locker room. Watch for a big game from Devin Booker, who possesses a frame too large for CJ McCollum to lock up and is arguably Phoenix’s most competitive player.
December 16 vs Washington Wizards: Win
Revolving around a marquee shooting guard matchup between Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, this game goes down to the wire. The Suns pull it out though thanks to Monty Williams’s poise compared to the rookie head coaching woes Wes Unseld Jr. might run into.
December 19 vs Charlotte Hornets: Win
The Hornets represent a rising team, but not one ready to contend. Watching LaMelo Ball compete with “Point God” Chris Paul sounds like a ton of fun, but the Suns win this one without much resistance.
December 21 at Los Angeles Lakers: Loss
This time around, LeBron James and company figure things out and take one back against the Suns. After watching Phoenix knock them out from the playoffs last year, and then beat them again to start the season, the Lakers unload on the Suns across their home floor en route to victory.
December 23 vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Win
The Thunder will be better this coming year, but not enough to make the Suns worried about them. With OKC fully committed to a rebuild, this game comes just as a tune-up to their Christmas Day bout.
December 25 vs Golden State Warriors: Win
The Suns turn up the heat on Christmas Day and silence the Warriors on their home floor. Playing at home for a likely intense game, Phoenix’s crowd operates as an X-Factor for this one and gifts them a smooth route to victory.
December 27 vs Memphis Grizzlies: Win
The Suns go up against the Grizzlies more focused this time. Determined to avoid an 0-2 season hole against a borderline playoff team, they will their way to a win.
December 29 vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Win
The Suns beat the Thunder with ease for the second time this month. Not much to unpack here, the Thunder simply do not carry enough talent to be spoken in the same breath as Phoenix.
December 31 at Boston Celtics: Loss
Giving Boston the benefit of the doubt, they end up splitting their series with the Suns by stealing a win to close out 2021. Another big game at home from Jayson Tatum does it.