Including tonight’s contest vs the Orlando Magic, only 18 games currently separate the Phoenix Suns from their next venture into the NBA playoffs. With the All-Star break still quite visible in the rear view mirror, the postseason might not feel all that close, but trust me, your calendars will tell you otherwise.
With that said, Suns fans have every reason to welcome this shift into playoff mode. Phoenix currently owns the league’s top record by almost two weeks worth of games. Although they do look a bit disoriented without Chris Paul and Devin Booker right now, they still possess the best odds to win it all according to WynnBET.
However, that confidence will not stop the other seven playoff teams in the Western Conference from trying to remove the Larry O’Brien away from their sights. That competition cannot be taken lightly, especially with the NBA’s chaotic nature considered.
It should go without saying, but this is not to suggest that the Suns should be scared of any other team come playoff time. Phoenix has dominated the NBA so far this year and remains on track to finish with their best record in franchise history. The Valley Boys will, and deserve to enter the postseason riding higher than anyone.
But if one were to identify the smoothest road back to the NBA Finals for the Suns, it would avoid stops against a few specific teams. These three lower-seeded squads resemble the more difficult first round opponents who the Suns want to dodge if possible.