The 2024 NBA Playoffs are within reach for the Phoenix Suns as they try to improve their record to get an ideal spot in the standings. The Suns have underperformed since after the All-Star break. Although they've been somewhat healthy, they haven't fixed the problems they've suffered in the first half of the season.
Phoenix finished their previous game against the Philadelphia 76ers, where Jusuf Nurkic had a great game in the first half, grabbing 11 rebounds. The team played well, scoring 39 points in the second-quarter, which helped them build a double-digit lead leading to the half.
The team finished the game with a 115-102 win against the Sixers. Thanks to Grayson Allen's 32 points, the Suns managed to outperform the Philly and improve their record.
With the playoffs slowly approaching, the Suns should solve a few things for the postseason. Finding a solution for these problems could be beneficial as they aim to contend for the title.
Aside from their struggles since the start of the season, the remaining games on their schedule have been a disadvantage. According to Tankathon, the Suns have the second-most strenuous remaining schedule this season. Although their next three games will be against teams that aren't much of a threat, the following games will prove laborious.
The Suns have a real shot this season as long as everyone on the team is on the same page. Also, health will be a significant part of their case to having a deep playoff run, especially the stars.
Win easy matchups
The Suns have 13 games left for the 2023-24 campaign. Three of those games should be winnable for the team. They'll play against the Atlanta Hawks in their next game. The Hawks are without their best player, Trae Young, and reports reveal that the star guard will be re-evaluated sometime around March 25.
Playing against them should be easy for the Suns, who have three healthy stars and role players who are really excelling. But the NBA is full of surprises, and there's a chance they might disappoint against Atlanta.
Following that will be a back-to-back against the San Antonio Spurs. Outside of Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs don't have a player that could be problematic for the Suns. San Antonio is the worst team in the Western Conference, and it should be an easy two games for Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns (39-29) fighting to avoid play-in, face Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 20, 2024
8th in West, Suns face 2nd-toughest #NBA remaining schedule.
14 games left. Next three are against 76ers, Hawks and Spurs. #Suns 0-4 vs. those teams (w/videos). https://t.co/Ih2Kwk2OJ2
The remaining games for the Suns are against some of the top teams in their conference. Depending on the situation, there's a chance that they could get a few wins to keep their postseason hopes alive.