NBA Team Preview: Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns have been one of the best stories in the NBA last season as they finished second in the Western Conference with a 51-21 record. They went all the way to the NBA Finals but they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. 

They were able to keep their core together as Chris Paul joined back during the offseason but with some expectations now, it will be interesting to see how they react with targets on their back. 

Big Additions

The Phoenix Suns failed to make a splash in the offseason to continue their momentum from last season but re-signed Chris Paul. They also added four players from free agency as they signed Chandler Hutchison, JaVale McGee, Eldridge Payton, and Chasson Randle. They also traded with the Brooklyn Nets as they acquired Landry Shamet. 

Impactful Subtractions

The front office of the Phoenix Suns did not have to worry about losing any impact players after completing a deal with Chris Paul to remain a member of the organization. Five players from last year’s team will not suit up for the Suns as Jevon Carter was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, Ty-Shon Alexander was waived, and Torrey Craig, Langston Galloway, and E’Twaun Moore all signed with different teams. 

Key Players

There are three players that are needed to be highlighted in point guard Chris Paul, shooting guard Devin Booker and center Deandre Ayton. Paul averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 8.9 assists in 31.4 minutes. The development of Devin Booker has been the best thing to happen as he finished 13th in scoring with 25.6 points while adding 4.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 33.9 minutes per game. 

The experience should really help their big-man Deandre Ayton as he played 30.7 minutes and finished with 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and 0.9 steals in the regular season. 

2021-22 Win Total Odds

The Phoenix Suns are currently listed as the fifth-highest win total in the NBA and third in the Western Conference as they are sitting at 51.5 wins. The Western Conference got a little tougher with the Lakers and Warriors specifically improving so expect a 48-50 win season as they take a step back from their NBA Finals appearance. 

The Suns should take a step back after being such a great story last season but now the league will not take them lightly but they will be competing to have a home-court advantage in the third through the sixth seed of the Western Conference this upcoming season.

* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.