Phoenix Suns set to Embark on Five-Game Road Trip
After a rough 132-100 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, the Phoenix Suns are ready to embark on a five-game road trip in hopes of getting back in the win column.
This road trip will put the Suns to the test as they are set to face-off against some of the premiere teams in the league.
Phoenix starts off its trip on Friday against the Boston Celtics who currently have the best record in the NBA. Defending Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will be a tall task for Phoenix’s defenders. The Suns will have to heavily rely on Torrey Craig, Mikal Bridges or Cameron Johnson to deliver on the defensive side of the ball if they want a chance to escape Boston with a win.
The Suns will need to take advantage of their game on Saturday against the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons are currently last place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 13-39 and have lost their last six-of-seven games.
Devin Booker could return to the lineup as soon as Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets after being out since Dec. 25 due to a groin injury. Having Booker against the Nets would be huge for the Suns as they would have a player that could go toe to toe with Kyrie Irving who is currently averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebound and 5.3 assists.
On Thursday Feb. 9, Phoenix is set to face the Hawks once again. The Suns allowed five Hawks’ players to score over 15 points in last night's matchup which is just not going to cut it if the Suns want to compete. Poor performances from Johnson and Chris Paul were also major reasons why Phoenix was blown out by Atlanta, something that can’t happen in their next matchup.
The Suns will end their road trip off against the Indiana Pacers on Friday, Feb. 10. While their 24-28 record may not show it, the Pacers have young weapons that could be a handful to deal with for Phoenix. Tyrese Haliburton leads this young core averaging a double-double of 20.2 points and 10.2 assists. 20-year-old Bennedict Mathurin is only in his rookie season but is averaging an impressive 17.9 points.
Sitting with a 27-26 record, this road trip will be crucial for the Suns as they are neck and neck with at least five teams in the Western Conference. These games are also crucial in determining if Phoenix really is back to being a playoff team.
