HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 18: HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER18: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans waits on the court during their game against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on December 18, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Suns Schedule: The Week That Will Be: Apr 6-12
It ain’t over yet, boys and girls. As we head into the last full week of the NBA season (the Suns will have one game left to play after this week closes), Phoenix is still desperately clinging to faint playoff hopes. Five games left to play, three games behind Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot. The bad news: their schedule this week is murderous.
Tues, Apr 7th at Atlanta
The week begins with an away game against the second-best team in the NBA, the very surprising Atlanta Hawks. The bad news: Atlanta also has the second-best home record in the league, currently standing at 33-5. The good news: star Paul Millsap might miss the game due to injury (as well as regulars Dennis Schroder and Mike Scott). Additionally, the Hawks have already clinched the best record in the East, so they can afford to take the foot off the gas a bit if they choose.
Wed, Apr 8th at Dallas
Road games on back-to-back nights against playoff bound teams is tough. Dallas is solid at home also, but not spectacular (25-14). They are also currently struggling, dropping their past two. And starters Chandler Parsons and Rajon Rondo are questionable for this game due to injury. The timing might work out well for the Suns here.
Fri, Apr 10th at New Orleans
A real big game here, as Phoenix enters the week 2.5 games behind New Orleans as both teams chase the Thunder for the last playoff spot out West. The Pelicans are a much better team when playing at home (25-13), but have been scuffling about in their last 10 games (as have the Suns), putting up a 5-5 record. And they are still without starting point guard Jrue Holiday. But as long as that Anthony Davis guy is on the floor, the Pelicans will be a tough out, regardless of whoever else is wearing their jersey.
Sun, Apr 12th at San Antonio
If the Suns are still in the playoff hunt at this point, this game could end that real quick. The Spurs are currently on fire, and are incredibly formidable at home (31-8). Other than Tiago Splitter, the team is healthy now and appears ready for a long playoff run once again. And they are still in the running to win their division, so unless things go off the rails before next Sunday, Coach Popovich probably won’t be resting players.
Projected record for the week: 1-3
