Phoenix Suns projected win total tops Western Conference

After conquering the NBA with an historic regular season in 2021-22, the Phoenix Suns are again projected to win the most games in what’s expected to be an improved Western Conference.

The Suns finished with a franchise best 64-18 record last season, finishing eight games clear at the top of league standings. But after spoiling their season with an unexpected second-round exit, intrigue surrounds how Phoenix will respond in 2022-23.

The Phoenix Suns are projected to once again lead the West in wins, with the conference likely to face congestion at the top of the standings.

According to Caesars Sportsbook, the Suns projected win line sits at 53.5 for next season. While that’s a far lower expectation than the lofty one they set last season, it’s still good enough for best in the conference and second best overall.

After a remarkable finish to last season that led to an NBA Finals appearance, and armed with some roster upgrades in Malcolm Brogdon and Danilo Gallinari, the Boston Celtics have been set with the highest total at 54.5 wins.

The Suns 53.5 win projection just shades the last two NBA champions, with the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors both sitting at 52.5 wins. Outside of the Suns and Warriors, seven other Western Conference teams are projected to finish with winning records.

That’s the Los Angeles Clippers (51.5), Memphis Grizzlies (50.5), Denver Nuggets (49.5), Dallas Mavericks (48.5), Minnesota Timberwolves (48.5), Los Angeles Lakers (44.5) and New Orleans Pelicans (44.5).

That competitive density is formed by the unbalance further down the win total projections. The San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets have the equal lowest in the league at 24.5 wins, while the Oklahoma City Thunder have the equal third lowest at 26.5 wins.

Having proved themselves as a juggernaut last season, expect the Suns’ focus to greater prioritise their preparation for a sustained playoff run, even if it comes at the expense of regular season wins.