2024 NBA Season

[avp2306]

I was glad to see the Phoenix Suns signed Isaiah Thomas for the rest of the year. He got done so dirty in Boston, it would be great to see him win a ring before his playing days are over and it’s great the Suns management is giving him this opportunity. Maybe not enough to get them over the hump, but they did need a true point guard so it’s a great signing.

Indeed that's good news. But still, I want to see this guy play for like 10-15 minutes. Give him a test run and not just a reserve or a bench who can only play at garbage time. They still don't know if he can be an effective player when paired with Durant or Booker, he just needs that one break and maybe he can show us that his career ain't really over just yet.
The longest play time was 8 minutes and that's only because the Thunder blew out the Suns so it's actually garbage time, what about those times when they badly need a point guard who may be effective? I've seen Cam Payne back when he was a Suns given a try by Coach Monty and it was rewarding, but Coach Vogel seems to not have the same attitude when it comes to his bench.

They need a true point guard man and provably IT can provide that since he can facilitate to create a space for their shooters to shoot. If he will just get an opportunity to spend more time in the court then maybe Suns will get a good result since IT still a great player. 

I can say even if he's minutes is limited still its good that he get a contract with Phoenix and now he's successfully back on NBA the only thing he need to do is to perform well on the minutes given by his coach and earn their trust since if he can do that maybe he will get more quality minutes on Suns then maybe he can get a spot on their main rotation. Suns is more interesting now seeing those guys mentioned getting more involvement on the team so let see how far they can go this season.

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[Hirose UK]

Lakers vs Warriors, which team will be eliminated first?

Both teams performed about the same during the regular season, and it's not so clear at this moment which of these two teams will be eliminated first. In addition, there are still 2-3 games left until the end of the regular season. So there's a small chance that the Lakers and Warriors might not face each other in the play-in tournament.

Yes, you are right that both teams still look equal in this regular season and we will have difficulty determining who will be eliminated first because they still have several matches to play, maybe everything can be seen clearly when the regular season has its final match left.
In the future, the Lakers and Warriors will not meet in the play-in tournament, but other matches could be decisive because if they lose, it could lower their position.
But if both of them can finish the remaining matches well and neither one is eliminated then that could make the tournament much more interesting, but I not sure this can happen.
Both team will continue to do their best but no one knows whether they can win or not in the next match.

[Kelvinid]

I was glad to see the Phoenix Suns signed Isaiah Thomas for the rest of the year. He got done so dirty in Boston, it would be great to see him win a ring before his playing days are over and it’s great the Suns management is giving him this opportunity. Maybe not enough to get them over the hump, but they did need a true point guard so it’s a great signing.

Indeed that's good news. But still, I want to see this guy play for like 10-15 minutes. Give him a test run and not just a reserve or a bench who can only play at garbage time. They still don't know if he can be an effective player when paired with Durant or Booker, he just needs that one break and maybe he can show us that his career ain't really over just yet.
The longest play time was 8 minutes and that's only because the Thunder blew out the Suns so it's actually garbage time, what about those times when they badly need a point guard who may be effective? I've seen Cam Payne back when he was a Suns given a try by Coach Monty and it was rewarding, but Coach Vogel seems to not have the same attitude when it comes to his bench.

I hope they can utilize him well. I haven't seen all the games of the Suns but I'm not seeing him in the game highlights, so that could  only mean one thing, he is not getting good minutes. If they sign him, that would give him a chance to play in the playoffs and with his experience, he will be useful for the team.

as we can see on his average with the sames, he played 5 games only, averaged of 3 minutes and had an average of 1 PPG... Not much, but I know he can still give more to the team, so maybe that's the reason why he was signed.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thomais02.html

[Maslate]

I was glad to see the Phoenix Suns signed Isaiah Thomas for the rest of the year. He got done so dirty in Boston, it would be great to see him win a ring before his playing days are over and it’s great the Suns management is giving him this opportunity. Maybe not enough to get them over the hump, but they did need a true point guard so it’s a great signing.

Indeed that's good news. But still, I want to see this guy play for like 10-15 minutes. Give him a test run and not just a reserve or a bench who can only play at garbage time. They still don't know if he can be an effective player when paired with Durant or Booker, he just needs that one break and maybe he can show us that his career ain't really over just yet.
The longest play time was 8 minutes and that's only because the Thunder blew out the Suns so it's actually garbage time, what about those times when they badly need a point guard who may be effective? I've seen Cam Payne back when he was a Suns given a try by Coach Monty and it was rewarding, but Coach Vogel seems to not have the same attitude when it comes to his bench.

I hope they can utilize him well. I haven't seen all the games of the Suns but I'm not seeing him in the game highlights, so that could  only mean one thing, he is not getting good minutes. If they sign him, that would give him a chance to play in the playoffs and with his experience, he will be useful for the team.

as we can see on his average with the sames, he played 5 games only, averaged of 3 minutes and had an average of 1 PPG... Not much, but I know he can still give more to the team, so maybe that's the reason why he was signed.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thomais02.html

I guess the Suns needs to make the right adjustment as they had a bad game against the Clippers. They could be a possible playoff rival in the first round and Clippers have showed how strong they are because even without James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, they still manage to beat the Suns on the road.

I'm not sure how significant Thomas is to the team but I'm happy with that news as he doesn't really  have a great NBA career, I mean, he could have sign a max contract but the injury came at the wrong timing, so everything he worked for got ruined.

[TravelMug]

I was glad to see the Phoenix Suns signed Isaiah Thomas for the rest of the year. He got done so dirty in Boston, it would be great to see him win a ring before his playing days are over and it’s great the Suns management is giving him this opportunity. Maybe not enough to get them over the hump, but they did need a true point guard so it’s a great signing.

Indeed that's good news. But still, I want to see this guy play for like 10-15 minutes. Give him a test run and not just a reserve or a bench who can only play at garbage time. They still don't know if he can be an effective player when paired with Durant or Booker, he just needs that one break and maybe he can show us that his career ain't really over just yet.
The longest play time was 8 minutes and that's only because the Thunder blew out the Suns so it's actually garbage time, what about those times when they badly need a point guard who may be effective? I've seen Cam Payne back when he was a Suns given a try by Coach Monty and it was rewarding, but Coach Vogel seems to not have the same attitude when it comes to his bench.

I hope they can utilize him well. I haven't seen all the games of the Suns but I'm not seeing him in the game highlights, so that could  only mean one thing, he is not getting good minutes. If they sign him, that would give him a chance to play in the playoffs and with his experience, he will be useful for the team.

as we can see on his average with the sames, he played 5 games only, averaged of 3 minutes and had an average of 1 PPG... Not much, but I know he can still give more to the team, so maybe that's the reason why he was signed.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thomais02.html

I guess the Suns needs to make the right adjustment as they had a bad game against the Clippers. They could be a possible playoff rival in the first round and Clippers have showed how strong they are because even without James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, they still manage to beat the Suns on the road.

I'm not sure how significant Thomas is to the team but I'm happy with that news as he doesn't really  have a great NBA career, I mean, he could have sign a max contract but the injury came at the wrong timing, so everything he worked for got ruined.

This is just one game though, in a playoff we all know that it's going to be a series, so the Suns can make adjustment and vice versa, to make the series very entertaining. Suns waking up in the bad side of the bed and they look awful. But for sure they will come back strong again as they don't want to enter the playoff in a bad note. Thomas case is different because the Boston Celtics didn't give him accurate readings of his injury and he just let him play knowing that there is a chance that he will ruin his career. And that's why happen to him, and after his injuries got serious, he was traded and we can say that he was not treated very fairly by the Boston Celtics that time.

[LogitechMouse]

Lakers vs Warriors, which team will be eliminated first?

Both teams performed about the same during the regular season, and it's not so clear at this moment which of these two teams will be eliminated first. In addition, there are still 2-3 games left until the end of the regular season. So there's a small chance that the Lakers and Warriors might not face each other in the play-in tournament.

The 6th to 10th spot is very tight. So tight that every win or lose from either team can change the standing of other team or themselves as well.
I looked at the remaining games of the teams on the 6th to 10th spot, and I would say that the hardest remaining schedule are the Suns because they will be facing the Clippers (again), the Kings and the Timberwolves. On the other hand, the Warriors for me are the easiest because they will be facing 2 eliminated teams and New Orleans

Overall, I agree with what you said that there's still a chance that both the Lakers and the Warriors might not be facing on the 9th-10th spot because if we see the Suns losing on all of their 3 games, the might go down to 9th or even 10th. The spot for the play-in tournament in the West is still tight and unpredictable. Speaking of the Warriors, they're the first team ever to make 25+ 3 pointers on 60% 3-pt FG percentage or more. It's kind of nostalgic because it looks like we've seen the Warriors a few years ago where they're just shooting threes here and there.

[Yaunfitda]

Lakers vs Warriors, which team will be eliminated first?

Both teams performed about the same during the regular season, and it's not so clear at this moment which of these two teams will be eliminated first. In addition, there are still 2-3 games left until the end of the regular season. So there's a small chance that the Lakers and Warriors might not face each other in the play-in tournament.

The 6th to 10th spot is very tight. So tight that every win or lose from either team can change the standing of other team or themselves as well.
I looked at the remaining games of the teams on the 6th to 10th spot, and I would say that the hardest remaining schedule are the Suns because they will be facing the Clippers (again), the Kings and the Timberwolves. On the other hand, the Warriors for me are the easiest because they will be facing 2 eliminated teams and New Orleans

Overall, I agree with what you said that there's still a chance that both the Lakers and the Warriors might not be facing on the 9th-10th spot because if we see the Suns losing on all of their 3 games, the might go down to 9th or even 10th. The spot for the play-in tournament in the West is still tight and unpredictable. Speaking of the Warriors, they're the first team ever to make 25+ 3 pointers on 60% 3-pt FG percentage or more. It's kind of nostalgic because it looks like we've seen the Warriors a few years ago where they're just shooting threes here and there.

Yes, the West are still very hotly contested and when we thought that a Lakers vs Warriors showdown could be happening, there are still some scenarios that will happen that will not make that event happen. So everyone should really try to win all the games remaining, and this could be the first season that we really appreciate what a play-in should be, teams fighting it out till the last game of the season. Only 1 games are separating this team, so most likely a 2 game winning streak will not be as bad. I know that you are a Warriors fans, and so it's good to see them back, the Klay and Curry hitting those 3's just like during their primes.

[Coin_trader]

Yes, the West are still very hotly contested and when we thought that a Lakers vs Warriors showdown could be happening, there are still some scenarios that will happen that will not make that event happen. So everyone should really try to win all the games remaining, and this could be the first season that we really appreciate what a play-in should be, teams fighting it out till the last game of the season. Only 1 games are separating this team, so most likely a 2 game winning streak will not be as bad. I know that you are a Warriors fans, and so it's good to see them back, the Klay and Curry hitting those 3's just like during their primes.

There’s a high chance that Lakers will be the opponent of GSW on the play in tournament since Kings has 3 remaining matches which is very manageable for them to win while Lakers have a scheduled match against Pelcs which is in need to win to secure their top 6 position while they have a very close standing before during their previous matches.

I don’t want to see Lakers vs GSW on playin tournament but it seems that it’s destined to happened given how the remaining matches of teams 6th to 10th are all manageable to all of them which means they will just stay on their current position.

[Twentyonepaylots]

With 3 games remaining this season, in order for the Lakers to get at least the 8th seed, they must win those 3 remaining games, and either of the three, the Kings, Pelicans, or Suns, need to lose twice so the Lakers would secure the 8th seed. Lakers' remaining games are GSW, MEM, and NOP. Lakers arguably can win these 3 games. While those three teams have these games left,.

Suns: LAC, LAC, SAC, MIN
Sac: OKC, NOP, PHX, POR
Pelicans: POR, SAC, GSW, LAL

Looking at this, all three teams can possibly have a record of 2-2 to end this season, and with that, it can really help the Lakers a lot to go up in the standings. Let's just hope the Lakers do their part and win those three games they have.

Does it really matter where the Lakers finish in the standings right now? I mean, if we assume that the Leakers will have no problems with their play-in tournament opponents, then their first-round playoff opponents will be either the Wolves or the Nuggets. In other words, the first round of the playoffs will be very difficult for the Lakers regardless of whether they finish the season in 9th or 8th, 7th spot in the standings.

It definitely makes a difference.  7th and 9th place is a huge difference.  9th you have to play 2 one and done games with the second one being on the road.  7th place you get a home game and if you lose you get another home game to still get in.  It all leads to the same road in either one of the top teams as a road series but to get there it makes a difference.

Yes, you are right. They might be the same because they are both in the play-in, but placing in the play-in is really an important part and should be prioritized by the team. 7th and 8th is the ideal spot since they can play two games; if they lose the game, then they can still play a game and fight for the 8th seed. While 9th seed and 10th seed are much harder since the pressure is on them since they can only play one game, if they lose then they are done for the season, and if they win they still need to win one more game to get the 8th seed.

So, 7th and 8th seeds are the ideal spots for the Lakers, so they will have leverage in their play-in games, and the pressure is off. But the way they play against the warriors earlier, they lose the game. I don't know what their seeding will be. 

[OgNasty]

Yes, the West are still very hotly contested and when we thought that a Lakers vs Warriors showdown could be happening, there are still some scenarios that will happen that will not make that event happen. So everyone should really try to win all the games remaining, and this could be the first season that we really appreciate what a play-in should be, teams fighting it out till the last game of the season. Only 1 games are separating this team, so most likely a 2 game winning streak will not be as bad. I know that you are a Warriors fans, and so it's good to see them back, the Klay and Curry hitting those 3's just like during their primes.

There’s a high chance that Lakers will be the opponent of GSW on the play in tournament since Kings has 3 remaining matches which is very manageable for them to win while Lakers have a scheduled match against Pelcs which is in need to win to secure their top 6 position while they have a very close standing before during their previous matches.

I don’t want to see Lakers vs GSW on playin tournament but it seems that it’s destined to happened given how the remaining matches of teams 6th to 10th are all manageable to all of them which means they will just stay on their current position.

I'm not opposed to seeing the Lakers and Warriors in the play-in tournament together.  I think it would be cool to see another LeBron vs Steph matchup, although I don't think the Warriors have much of a chance against them.  I'd also love to see them both in the playoffs, but think it's better for the sport if they matchup at some point.  The Warriors dynasty is ending and LeBron's career isn't far behind.  This might be the last time we see this LeBron vs Warriors dynasty matchup after so many good years of battling each other.  Better to enjoy it while it's here. 

[Jating]

Yes, the West are still very hotly contested and when we thought that a Lakers vs Warriors showdown could be happening, there are still some scenarios that will happen that will not make that event happen. So everyone should really try to win all the games remaining, and this could be the first season that we really appreciate what a play-in should be, teams fighting it out till the last game of the season. Only 1 games are separating this team, so most likely a 2 game winning streak will not be as bad. I know that you are a Warriors fans, and so it's good to see them back, the Klay and Curry hitting those 3's just like during their primes.

There’s a high chance that Lakers will be the opponent of GSW on the play in tournament since Kings has 3 remaining matches which is very manageable for them to win while Lakers have a scheduled match against Pelcs which is in need to win to secure their top 6 position while they have a very close standing before during their previous matches.

I don’t want to see Lakers vs GSW on playin tournament but it seems that it’s destined to happened given how the remaining matches of teams 6th to 10th are all manageable to all of them which means they will just stay on their current position.

I'm not opposed to seeing the Lakers and Warriors in the play-in tournament together.  I think it would be cool to see another LeBron vs Steph matchup, although I don't think the Warriors have much of a chance against them.  I'd also love to see them both in the playoffs, but think it's better for the sport if they matchup at some point.  The Warriors dynasty is ending and LeBron's career isn't far behind.  This might be the last time we see this LeBron vs Warriors dynasty matchup after so many good years of battling each other.  Better to enjoy it while it's here. 

Yes, as much as we don't want to see either of them being eliminated this season, but it's what going to happen though, they are in the bottom, 9th and 10th, and with this new design, they will have to face each other and see who will be eliminated.

It will be the classic, Steph vs Lebron here, although Lebron's team is totally different now, but still there is this competitive between this two players that we hope this game should be in a playoff series and not just a play-in game, do or die elimation.

[Fredomago]

Yes, the West are still very hotly contested and when we thought that a Lakers vs Warriors showdown could be happening, there are still some scenarios that will happen that will not make that event happen. So everyone should really try to win all the games remaining, and this could be the first season that we really appreciate what a play-in should be, teams fighting it out till the last game of the season. Only 1 games are separating this team, so most likely a 2 game winning streak will not be as bad. I know that you are a Warriors fans, and so it's good to see them back, the Klay and Curry hitting those 3's just like during their primes.

There’s a high chance that Lakers will be the opponent of GSW on the play in tournament since Kings has 3 remaining matches which is very manageable for them to win while Lakers have a scheduled match against Pelcs which is in need to win to secure their top 6 position while they have a very close standing before during their previous matches.

I don’t want to see Lakers vs GSW on playin tournament but it seems that it’s destined to happened given how the remaining matches of teams 6th to 10th are all manageable to all of them which means they will just stay on their current position.

All the remaining games are important for those who are in the 6-10 spot, they need to secure the wins to maintain their position else, though like what you just said it seems that Lakers and GSW will be competing with each other again in the playin tournament, to have that opportunity to continue their campaign for the next round, both are capable upsetting whoever is on the top position they just need to win at the time and keep that pressure to really play well.

[wheelz1200]

Yes, the West are still very hotly contested and when we thought that a Lakers vs Warriors showdown could be happening, there are still some scenarios that will happen that will not make that event happen. So everyone should really try to win all the games remaining, and this could be the first season that we really appreciate what a play-in should be, teams fighting it out till the last game of the season. Only 1 games are separating this team, so most likely a 2 game winning streak will not be as bad. I know that you are a Warriors fans, and so it's good to see them back, the Klay and Curry hitting those 3's just like during their primes.

There’s a high chance that Lakers will be the opponent of GSW on the play in tournament since Kings has 3 remaining matches which is very manageable for them to win while Lakers have a scheduled match against Pelcs which is in need to win to secure their top 6 position while they have a very close standing before during their previous matches.

I don’t want to see Lakers vs GSW on playin tournament but it seems that it’s destined to happened given how the remaining matches of teams 6th to 10th are all manageable to all of them which means they will just stay on their current position.

All the remaining games are important for those who are in the 6-10 spot, they need to secure the wins to maintain their position else, though like what you just said it seems that Lakers and GSW will be competing with each other again in the playin tournament, to have that opportunity to continue their campaign for the next round, both are capable upsetting whoever is on the top position they just need to win at the time and keep that pressure to really play well.

Even for all the other spots too.  I mean obviously for 6-10 because it determines one and done games but take the Knicks, orlando and Cleveland.  Between the 3-5 spots in the east.  You can go from home series with a possible second round vs bucks and not Boston to away series and a 2nd round matchup against Boston with a win by one team and a loss by another.  This time of year is great basketball.

[yazher]

We will witness once again the battle for the number one seed in the Western Conference this time and, it could be the best opportunity for both the Timberwolves and Nuggets to see how much they need to improve to win against their rival because surely this will be the same scenario in the NBA playoffs for them if they don't act right now to try their best strategy to see if will going to work against their opponent, they lose the opportunity to counter them once they face against each other later cause that will be likely the case in the upcoming NBA playoffs.

[Yogee]

Why is nobody talking about the historic achievement of Celtics when they faced the Bucks? I mean it is more of an achievement by the refs when they gave zero free throw worthy foul calls in favor of the Celtics the entire game. Is it a perfect defense by Bucks? I think it's also a team record for the Bucks since they only had two free throw attempts.

This is how you go as a ref when you want to finish the game early and maybe collect some cash from a bet hehe.

[Fredomago]

We will witness once again the battle for the number one seed in the Western Conference this time and, it could be the best opportunity for both the Timberwolves and Nuggets to see how much they need to improve to win against their rival because surely this will be the same scenario in the NBA playoffs for them if they don't act right now to try their best strategy to see if will going to work against their opponent, they lose the opportunity to counter them once they face against each other later cause that will be likely the case in the upcoming NBA playoffs.

If they both succeed from their campaign during the playoffs it might be the sequence that may take place, and yes, it's good for both teams to understand whatever lapses that they've still got to make that to improve for the possible West final run, this game will be one of those turning factors to get the numbet 1 spot.

For now, lets enjoy how both teams will play and what will be the system that will bring the win to whoever will take this game.

[Oasisman]

Lakers vs Warriors, which team will be eliminated first?

Both teams performed about the same during the regular season, and it's not so clear at this moment which of these two teams will be eliminated first. In addition, there are still 2-3 games left until the end of the regular season. So there's a small chance that the Lakers and Warriors might not face each other in the play-in tournament.

Yes, you are right that both teams still look equal in this regular season and we will have difficulty determining who will be eliminated first because they still have several matches to play, maybe everything can be seen clearly when the regular season has its final match left.
In the future, the Lakers and Warriors will not meet in the play-in tournament, but other matches could be decisive because if they lose, it could lower their position.
But if both of them can finish the remaining matches well and neither one is eliminated then that could make the tournament much more interesting, but I not sure this can happen.
Both team will continue to do their best but no one knows whether they can win or not in the next match.

Yeah nothing is really interesting now if we can see the GSW and the Lakers going head to head at the start of the play-in tournament. And, yes they did not play against each other in the play-in last year, but they did played each other in the 2nd round of the 2023 playoffs, which the Lakers have exposed the GSW that their small ball doesn't work against them as they are playing bully ball in which most their points was inside the paint and the number foul discrepancy is noticeably huge.
The GSW have not changed it that much though, they are still relying on their 3 point arsenal. I'm afraid it would end up the same with AD back in the game when play-in comes.
Well, that's just the first challenge for both teams, and better they hope the Denver won't retake the top spot, otherwise it would be an easy playoff start for both the Lakers and GSW, neither of this team will enter the 8th spot. The Wolves might not be as difficult as the Nuggets, so they'd better hope for that.

[Sanitough]

Suns trying to bounce back from a disappointing loss on their home court. Now they are on the road for  rematch with the LA Clippers and currently leading by 10 points. It's a good start for them, they can't allow the Clippers to charge back as they might have some problem in the 4th where the Clippers are usually good.

Booker thus far is leading the charge but they are playing a Clipper team without its starter, so this is just probably a gift for them.

[Questat]

Suns trying to bounce back from a disappointing loss on their home court. Now they are on the road for  rematch with the LA Clippers and currently leading by 10 points. It's a good start for them, they can't allow the Clippers to charge back as they might have some problem in the 4th where the Clippers are usually good.

Booker thus far is leading the charge but they are playing a Clipper team without its starter, so this is just probably a gift for them.

This is a none bearing game for the Clippers as they have already secured the number 4 spot, with their current ranking, they will be having a home court advantage against the Dallas Mavericks, but I think it will be tough for them without Kawhi Leonard. I think his injury does not make him out of the preseason, so we have to be optimistic that he'll be coming back. As much as possible, he should come back in the first game vs the Dallas as losing at home is huge.

[LogitechMouse]

Why is nobody talking about the historic achievement of Celtics when they faced the Bucks? I mean it is more of an achievement by the refs when they gave zero free throw worthy foul calls in favor of the Celtics the entire game. Is it a perfect defense by Bucks? I think it's also a team record for the Bucks since they only had two free throw attempts.

This is how you go as a ref when you want to finish the game early and maybe collect some cash from a bet hehe.

Welcome to the modern-day NBA. Where referees aren't using their whistle anymore because they want to just watch these players playing, and not letting them to take any free throw.

It's historic because it's the first time in NBA history that a team didn't shoot any free throws at all. I still remember the time where James Harden is taking more than 10 free throws per game when he's still in the Rockets. Now we just saw a whole team who didn't shoot any free throws at all. It would be more historic if both teams didn't shoot any free throws at that game. On the other hand, I don't see that this kind of game will happen in the playoffs though where everything is just pure physicality. Perfect defense by Bucks? Nah I don't think so. With how soft these referees are in the modern era where they will just whistle even the slightest contact. There might be some deeper reason to it, but I guess we don't need to stress ourselves out for that.

Suns trying to bounce back from a disappointing loss on their home court. Now they are on the road for  rematch with the LA Clippers and currently leading by 10 points. It's a good start for them, they can't allow the Clippers to charge back as they might have some problem in the 4th where the Clippers are usually good.

Booker thus far is leading the charge but they are playing a Clipper team without its starter, so this is just probably a gift for them.

A loss for the Clippers will not affect their standings as the 4th seed so I guess putting your all-star players to rest even on one game is the best thing for them to do. Currently, the Suns are leading, and it would be a disgrace for the Suns if they will still lose into this game because it just shows that the team aren't ready for the playoffs yet.