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The Phoenix Suns had just two games this past week, both against some of the most iconic franchises in professional sports. Facing up against the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, the two contests were stark in outcomes. Boston dominated Phoenix, while the Suns beat the Lakers on a Royce O’Neale three with 0.9 seconds left for the 113-110 victory.
Here are the main questions for Week 19 that we want your thoughts on:
Managing Devin Booker’s Return
According to Suns insider John Gambadoro, Devin Booker is slated to return this week on either Tuesday against the Kings, or Thursday against the Bulls. Making his fifth all-star appearance of his career and with many prominent names such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry and LeBron James already ineligible for All-NBA honors, Booker has the opportunity to return to the All-NBA teams after missing them last year.
Already missing 16 games this year, if Booker misses two more, he’ll be ineligible for All-NBA because he will not have met the 65 games played requirement. The Suns are in a heated playoff race right now, only three and a half games out of the third seed in the Western Conference, and Booker is the team’s best player; they’re significantly better when he’s in the lineup.
How should Booker and the Suns manage his playing time with his return looming, considering the personal and team implications at stake?
Starting off March Strong
After a February that was filled with a slew of tough opponents, the Suns start March with an easy week. Facing the Kings, Bulls, Pelicans and Hornets. No team is over .500, and the Hornets are the only one in the play-in. Three of their four games this week are at home, and the one road game is against the Sacramento, who has the worst record in the NBA. The Suns are 3-0 against them this year, and beat them in January by 27.
While they’ve had their struggles against their fair share of playoff opponents, the Suns have been strong against lesser competition all year. Their only two losses the entire season against teams not currently on the play-in or playoffs of their respective conference came back in October, when the Suns got off to a rough start to the season, going 1-4.
Assuming Booker is the only player returning from injury this week, what is a reasonable expectation for the Suns record this week in their four games?
Does this Rookie Deserve More Run?
With all the injuries the Suns have had to encounter since the All-Star break, rookie Rasheer Fleming has gotten the most consistent run time he’s had in his early career. Playing at least 20 minutes in three-straight games, Fleming impressed during the team’s comeback win against the Lakers, scoring eight points, hitting two threes, and grabbing six rebounds, including three offensive.
Despite the strong game, Fleming’s season numbers will not wow you, he’s shooting 36% from the field and 28% from three, but does his last game show he’s turned a corner? Should Jordan Ott and company should continue to give him more meaningful opportunities?
For more questions on the Suns follow @HoldenSherman1 on X for content after every game.