Phoenix Suns: 3 Most Important Games in Final Stretch Before Playoffs

Phoenix Suns at Denver Nuggets – Thursday, March 24th

Right after their contest vs Minnesota, the Suns will want to scout the Denver Nuggets in a similar fashion while completing this latter side of a back-to-back sequence.

Like the Timberwolves, the Nuggets have had better success against the Suns this year than most other teams. They stand responsible for one of Phoenix’s 14 losses dating back to the season opener, and remain likely to see the Suns in the first round with their record mirroring Minnesota’s.

However, the reinforcements Denver might welcome back for the playoffs makes them different from Minnesota, and a far greater threat to Phoenix.

Rumoured to be getting Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray back at some point, the Suns could benefit from getting a look at both of them running around reigning MVP Nikola Jokic prior to a potential playoff series.

Although Phoenix saw Porter Jr. play earlier this year, that was still months ago, making a refresher on his game well warranted. With Murray though, Phoenix could use a memory jogger even more so.

The Suns last played the Duke product a year and two months ago. Prior to his injury, he resembled one of the game’s premier point guards, averaging 21.2 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 40.8 percent from deep during the 2020-21 season.

Nuggets coach Mike Malone did mention that Murray is “not close” to returning over the weekend, making his return against Phoenix something of a pipe dream. But from a tactical standpoint, Phoenix can still play the lottery and hope that he returns, allowing themselves to properly update their Denver scouting report.