The Phoenix Suns are in a pretty good position as the All-Star break winds down. The only injury at the top end of their depth chart is to Kevin Durant. The last word on him was that he would return soon after the break (Marc J. Spears with ESPN.com reported). His debut, which might be on Friday according to some conjecture, is much anticipated in the desert and if the Suns have good team chemistry, then they are going to be hard to beat.
Phoenix Suns win-total (bet365): 45.5 (simplified perspective)
- Current winning rate: 53.33%
- The winning rate needed for OVER 45.5: 56.1%
- Difference: -2.77%
- Simplified conclusion: the Suns are behind their win-total projection
The Suns head into the business end of their season a little off the pace that they need in order to beat their win total, which would require winning at least 46 games. Their recent form, however, points to a total number of wins that is closer to 50. They have gone 11-4 in roughly the last month, a time frame that rescued their season.
Phoenix Suns: Recent Form Alert
- Formerly: 21 - 24 on January 18th, 2023
- Currently: 32 - 28 (overall)
- Recent form: 11 - 4 since January 18th, 2023
- Recent winning rate: 73.33%
- Phoenix Suns' recent form: 17.23% above what they need overall
The Suns' schedule is a favorable one. They have just 22 games left, whereas most teams have 23-25. The Suns will have a little more rest between games and that's good, keeping in mind that Durant and Chris Paul are veterans that could benefit from extra rest.
But Phoenix would have to go 14-8 for the remainder of the season in order to beat their win total. If there is any kind of learning curve with Durant soon to be added in, then that total looks kind of steep. Also, a lot of other teams that were reeling benefited from the All-Star break more than Phoenix. A win total of 45.5 looks like a really tough call either way for this club.
Phoenix Suns: Looking Ahead
- Games remaining (regular season): 22
- Minimum overall record needed for OVER to hit: 46 - 36
- Summary: Phoenix needs 14 wins in their remaining schedule to beat their win total
Phoenix will resume its schedule on Friday this week. They have a tricky game against the OKC Thunder, another team that has some positive trends. They will then go on a four-game road trip. Based on the remarks that state that Durant should be back soon after the break, you would expect him to make his Phoenix team in one of these five games.
Further reading: NBA Power Rankings
