We’re entering crunch time for the Phoenix Suns and their playoff pursuit, and tonight holds massive playoff implications in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n
The Houston Rockets can clinch a playoff spot with a Phoenix loss to the Charlotte Hornets.<\/p>\n
The Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Suns are jockeying for two of the West’s final postseason spots.<\/p>\n
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While the OKC Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets have all locked their spots in, the Rockets (fifth seed) are just half a game ahead of the Timberwolves (sixth seed) while the Suns (4.5 games back from Minnesota) are on the outside looking in.<\/p>\n
The Suns have a guaranteed spot in the play-in tournament, though they’ve wanted to reach bigger heights.<\/p>\n
While it’s not virtually impossible, the odds are indeed stacked against Phoenix. The Suns have a 0.3% chance of making a top six seed and avoiding the play-in according to ESPN’s basketball power index.<\/p>\n
It’s been a tough stretch for Phoenix, who has lost their last three-of-ten games and have been firmly entrenched in the West’s seventh seed for quite some time now.<\/p>\n
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Injuries have mostly derailed the Suns from reaching their full potential, though there’s hope Phoenix can lock in their healthy lineup for the ensuing play-in push.<\/p>\n
“Getting guys healthy. Get everybody back, especially full strength. Being able to have guys out, being able to compete with teams, especially to the last possession, 1-point, 2-point, 3-point games. We’re right there,” Suns veteran forward Royce O’Neale told reporters last week.<\/p>\n
“Stick with it and we’ll be able to break over the hump.”<\/p>\n
That’s certainly the goal. The Suns just got Dillon Brooks back in the lineup while Mark Williams could potentially be rejoining them as soon as tonight.<\/p>\n
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Phoenix isn’t quite cemented as the seventh seed in the conference, at least not yet. The Los Angeles Clippers are just three games behind the Suns while the Portland Trail Blazers are 3.5 back from Phoenix as the Suns have just five regular season games remaining.<\/p>\n
After the Suns surprisingly missed the playoffs last season, Phoenix has shocked nearly everyone with a revamped front office, coaching staff and roster. While the Suns didn’t promise playoffs, they’re closing in on an incredible regular season that will see them playing beyond Game 82.<\/p>\n
That’s exciting, but the Suns want to climb deeper – and a good chunk of their chances to keep their actual playoff hopes alive rests in winning tonight.<\/p>\n