Previewing Phoenix's Upcoming Five-Game Homestand

After going through a grueling four-game road trip, the Phoenix Suns are back in the Valley and will play five consecutive games at the Footprint Center.

The Suns are currently in a rut as they have dropped their last three games. It's evident that in order to keep up in a tough Western Conference, they will need to capitalize at home over this five-game stretch.

Players such as Devin Booker and Chris Paul are still out for the Suns, while Cam Johnson is expected to return in a limited role on Thursday.

Let's meet the five opponents Phoenix will face:

Brooklyn Nets, Thursday, Jan. 19:

The Brooklyn Nets are having a fantastic season sitting as the four seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 27-16.

However, ever since Kevin Durant went down with a sprained MCL on Jan. 8, the Nets have struggled losing their last three games.

Kyrie Irving also missed the Nets last matchup against the San Antonio Spurs due to right calf soreness and is questionable to play tomorrow in Phoenix.

If Irving is unable to go, the Suns certainly have a good shot to beat an injury riddled Nets team and get back in the win column.

Indiana Pacers, Saturday, Jan. 21:

Similar to the Suns, the Indiana Pacers started the season off hot but have recently cooled down tremendously, losing their last four games.

The Pacers are just above .500 and are currently the eighth seed in the East meaning this game against Phoenix will have major implications on both Eastern and Western Conference standings.

While Indiana has been struggling, they do have a valid excuse. Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton has been sidelined the past three games after suffering knee and elbow injuries.

The Suns will have trouble matching Haliburton’s offensive production assuming he is able to return. If both teams remain shorthanded, expect an ugly defensive battle on Saturday night.

Memphis Grizzlies, Sunday, Jan. 22:

The Memphis Grizzlies just blew out the Suns on Jan. 16 with a score of 136-106 and should be able to do so again on Jan. 22.

The Grizzlies have won each of their last 10 games proving that they are one of the top teams in the NBA. Led by Ja Morant’s 27.4 points per game, Memphis has been red hot offensively ranking fourth in overall points per game with an average of 117.6.

Unlike the first two teams Phoenix will be facing, the Grizzlies are hitting their stride and are fully healthy.

If the Suns continue to look the way they have been playing over the past month, expect a big night for Morant and the Grizzlies.

Charlotte Hornets, Tuesday, Jan. 24:

There may be only a couple of teams that are playing worse basketball than the Suns and one of them happens to be the Charlotte Hornets.

The Hornets are on a four game losing streak and sit as the worst team in the East with an abysmal record of 11-34.

While Charlotte’s offense is not horrible, it is a completely different story on the defensive side of the ball. The Hornets rank 27th in defensive rating, something that has been their achilles heel over the past couple of seasons.

Even with the Suns being overwhelmed with injuries, they still should be able to handle a below average Hornets team.

Dallas Mavericks, Thursday, Jan. 26:

The last time the Dallas Mavericks played at the Footprint Center was Oct. 19, where they blew a double digit lead leaving a sour taste in their mouths.

Ever since that day, the Mavericks season has been pretty eventful. Luka Doncic is averaging a historic 33.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 8.8 assists. Doncic has carried the Mavericks with his jaw dropping play to a 24-21 record enough to be the five seed in the West.

Doncic and the Mavericks know the Suns all too well as they faced off last year in the Western Conference Semifinals in a hard fought seven-game series where Dallas ultimately had their way.

The Suns are going to need to contain Doncic if they have any chance at winning this matchup.