Scorching-hot Suns would be knocked out of NBA playoff contention Tuesday with loss to 76ers
The Phoenix Suns don't control their own playoff fate and it could end Tuesday.
No question that the biggest surprise team in the NBA bubble has been the Phoenix Suns as they have won all six games – going 6-0 against the spread – to remain in playoff contention entering their game against the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. ET. The Suns are solid favorites on the NBA odds because Philly is without All-Stars Ben Simmons (done for season) and Joel Embiid (rest)
The winning streak is the Suns' longest since winning six in a row from Dec. 17-28, 2014. However, Phoenix began the restart so far back in the Western Conference playoff chase that it still doesn't control its own destiny to earn a spot in the play-in game (or games) this weekend.
Long story short: The Suns must win Tuesday and then Thursday vs. Dallas (which may have nothing to play for and could rest its stars), while having Memphis lose both Tuesday vs. Boston and Thursday vs. Milwaukee OR Portland to lose one either Tuesday vs. Dallas or Thursday vs. Brooklyn.
If the Grizzlies lose their two, it would be Suns vs. Trail Blazers in the play-in game, which has been guaranteed. If the Blazers lose one, it would be Suns vs. Grizzlies.
The 76ers are really doing Phoenix a favor on Tuesday as they are also resting Josh Richardson and listing Al Horford and Tobias Harris as questionable. So, it could be a G-League team essentially that Phoenix will be facing.
The Suns will be playing the second of a back-to-back, though, routing Oklahoma City 128-101 on Monday. Devin Booker kept up his amazing play in the bubble with 35 points. He tied Walter Davis for the franchise record with 90 career 30-point games. Davis did it in 739 games and Booker in 340.
Booker is averaging 38.4 points in his past five vs. the Sixers. Phoenix beat Philly 114-109 on Nov. 4 in the desert. Booker had 40 points. Embiid sat that one out. The Suns are 2-5 ATS in their past seven on zero days' rest.
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