How Suns Defeat Sixers, Return to Win Column
PHOENIX -- Time is running out for the Phoenix Suns to truly put things together.
If Suns fans thought last year's stretch run was stressful, the push to the finish line this season might be tenfold of that - especially due to the much improved roster compared to a year ago.
The matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight appears to be a must-win game in the grand scheme of the season.
How do the Suns accomplish this and build positive momentum going into a stretch of three games which they will be favored in that directly succeed the matchup with Philly?
The answer is simple.
Suns head coach Frank Vogel absolutely has to exploit matchup advantages that Phoenix has due to Philadelphia being without Joel Embiid.
The most glaring matchup advantage should be the Sixers' perceived lack of physicality in the lane currently.
Philadelphia currently starts Mo Bamba at center and truly only has Paul Reed as a big body off of the bench.
The Sixers blocked 12 shots on Monday against the Miami Heat, but this could simply just be a flash in the pan.
Phoenix having a physical big in Jusuf Nurkic and a guard that's been more than willing to pressure the rim lately in Bradley Beal should be advantageous to the squad tonight - particularly for a team near the top of the league in free throws attempted per game.
If the Suns can take advantage of the size discrepancy and play the inside-outside game right, they should walk out of tonight's game with a victory.
