Suns grit at 43-36: Locked #7 West play-in vs Warriors, Brooks/Williams returns/lineup tweaks (Fleming out), Big 3 chemistry/rookies amid Rockets slump
Key Questions
What is the Phoenix Suns' current standing and playoff position?
The Suns are 43-36 and locked into the #7 West play-in spot vs Warriors with 3 games left. They are chasing #6 seeding amid a Rockets slump.
Which Suns players are returning from injury?
Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams are back, with Durant juking Brooks and Williams cleared for lineup tweaks. Fleming is out.
How is Oso Ighodaro performing for the Suns?
Rookie Oso Ighodaro is starting with a +7.1 net rating, quietly boosting the Suns and exposing rebound flaws. No sophomore slump despite changes.
What are the Suns' chances with their Big 3 in the postseason?
The Big 3 (Booker, Brooks, Green) shows chemistry but net neutral rating and rebound issues in 0-7 Rockets threat losses. Confidence remains high for playoff push.
What recent records did Collin Gillespie set for the Suns?
Collin Gillespie set the Suns' franchise record for 3-pointers in a season. This occurred in a loss to Hornets where defensive identity was missing.
How did the Suns perform against the Rockets recently?
Suns lost to Rockets as Durant juked Brooks; Rockets won 7 straight. Suns hosted them April 7 pushing for #6, with Rockets as slight underdogs.
What is the Suns' defensive approach heading into playoffs?
Jordan Ott revealed Suns will play physical defense no matter what. They revealed an interesting starting lineup vs Hornets with full health projected.
Why isn't Devin Booker in trade rumors despite Suns' position?
Booker never appears in trade rumors even as Suns sit mid-pack, unlike others at deadline. Suns confident for postseason however it happens, escaping crisis mode.
Locked #7 play-in (3G left); Williams/Brooks back (Durant juke/cleared); Ighodaro starting (+7.1); Fleming out; Big 3 (Booker/Brooks/Green) net neutral/rebound flaws in Rockets losses (0-7 threat); no Giannis; seeding chase #6.