Tuesday’s NBA action brings fans a battle of two teams that are likely playoff-bound but trending in opposite directions. The banged-up Philadelphia 76ers will play the red-hot Phoenix Suns. The Suns are a perfect 6-0 since the NBA’s return, the Sixers have gone 3-2.
The Suns are 32-39 overall this season. They sit in the tenth spot in the Western Conference, just one game behind the Grizzlies for eighth, and a half a game behind the Trail Blazers. The Sixers are locked into the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 42-28.
All the Suns need to do is stay within four games of the eighth seed, and they should get their opportunity to make a playoff run. At least, if they can win their play-in game. This is a battle you won’t want to miss. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:35 ET on Tuesday.
Burning Bright
Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns wasted no time trying to show everyone that they deserve a playoff spot. At 6-0 since their return, they may just get one.
To gain access to a play-in game for the playoffs, teams must be within four games of the eighth seed in their respective conferences. Phoenix is back by only one game.
Booker is averaging 30 points and six assists since the NBA’s return. Drive and kick, great shooting, and even a game-winner sprinkled in. Teammate Deandre Ayton has also made a splash in his return, leading the team in boards and blocks.
Burning Out and Fading Away
One can’t help but feel a little bad for the 76ers. They trusted the process and were expected to make another deep playoff run. That run no longer seems like it’s in the cards for the Sixers. Ben Simmons had season-ending knee surgery last week.
Joel Embiid is out for Tuesday’s game with an ankle injury. Tobias Harris and Al Horford are both listed as questionable headed into the matchup. That’s a lot of firepower that won’t be on the floor for Philly. They have their work cut out for them, going up against the hottest team in basketball.
“Spread” the Floor
The fall of the Sixers was almost instant. One day, they were competitive, the next, they were all falling apart. Injuries can do that to the best of teams.
The Suns rise happened just as fast. They’ve always had the talent, and it just took only took a hiatus to get everyone to engage.
Both of these teams cover at about the same rate, right around 45-46% of the time. Of course, if you took away half the Sixers stars, that number would likely drop exponentially. Phoenix is favored by -7.5 headed into the game, and I believe they cover it with ease.
Look for the Suns to win big and make a statement. Good luck.
