Phoenix Suns fans have experienced way more downs than ups this season, but somehow, the postseason isn't out of the question. The Suns are one game back from the No. 10 Mavericks, a team everyone thought would be closer to the top of the West, but Nico Harrison changed that.
Securing the No. 9 or 10 seed would mean Phoenix would have to win two Play-In Tournament games to advance to the first round of the playoffs (the No. 9 seed would give them a home game). The Suns doing so would be a reason for fans to celebrate, if only temporarily. Phoenix fighting through the Play-In isn't the position the team should be in, but alas.
The Suns got an assist from Harrison trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers in what will go down as one of the worst decisions in NBA history. Dallas continued to unravel after that, with key players like Anthony Davis getting hurt after playing only three quarters. Davis is expected to return this season, but Kyrie Irving won't after he tore his ACL.
Phoenix is in a position to step into the No. 10 seed, even with its tough remaining schedule. There's a chance that the Suns could even finish the season in the No. 9 spot, especially after the latest injury news. ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that Domantas Sabonis will miss at least 10 days with an ankle sprain.
Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis will miss at least 10 days with a right ankle sprain, sources tell ESPN. The NBA's leading rebounder returned last week after sitting for six straight games, and will now miss additional time. Kings are 3-6 without Sabonis.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 19, 2025
Suns could manage to finish as the No. 9 seed in the West
Sacramento is three games ahead of Phoenix. The Kings have the fourth-toughest remaining schedule, playing the Cavaliers, Bucks, Celtics, and Thunder in four of their next five games.
They could tumble down the standings without Sabonis, who recently missed time because of a hamstring injury. Sacramento won three of its first four games without Sabonis (counting the one he got injured in) but then lost the next three without him. The Suns beat the Kings in his return to the lineup last Friday.
Moving up two spots in the standings isn't a gimme for Phoenix, especially after you look at the last 13 regular-season games on the schedule. The Suns haven't given anyone a good reason not to doubt them, and if there was ever a time for them to do so, it's now.