After floundering in the NBA’s desert for a decade, the Phoenix Suns have been oh so close to reaching the league’s summit the last two seasons.
They were NBA finalists two years ago and last year they had the best record in the league before their surprise loss to the Mavericks in round two of the playoffs.
It should come of little surprise then that they’ve decided to run it back with essentially the same team that’s helped them get this far.
Only, there is plenty of drama to overcome this offseason. It starts in the boardroom with the pending sale of the team after owner Robert Sarver was disgraced in a scathing report outlining racist and misogynist behavior over an 18-year period. What’s more, on the court Deandre Ayton was benched and somewhat scapegoated in the playoff loss to the Mavs and needed an RFA offer from the Pacers before the Suns decided to match.
Add in Chris Paul now starting the season as a 37-year-old who never seems able to stay healthy for an entire playoffs, and one wonders if the Suns have already hit their ceiling.
Phoenix Suns Season Outlook:
Projected Starting Lineup: PG Chris Paul, SG Devin Booker, SF Mikal Bridges, PF Cameron Johnson, C Deandre Ayton
Head coach: Monty Williams
Notable Additions: G Damion Lee, C Jock Landale, F Josh Okogie
Draft Picks: None
Suns Arena: Footprint Center
Suns NBA Schedule: NBA.com
2022-23 Phoenix Suns NBA Futures Odds
- Odds to win the 2023 NBA Championship: 12/1
- Odds to win the 2022-23 Western Conference: +500
- Odds to win the 2022-23 Pacific Division: +225
- 2022-23 Regular Season Win Total: Under 52½ (-130)
- Odds to Make the Playoffs: Yes -3300 | No +950
- Official website: nba.com/suns
- Twitter Account : @Suns
2022-23 Phoenix Suns NBA Award Top Contenders
Regular Season MVP: Devin Booker +2500
6th Man OTY: Cameron Johnson +3000
Defensive Player OTY: Mikal Bridges +1300
Most Improved Player: Deandre Ayton +4000
Liev Jackson NBA Season Prediction on Suns:
When I look at the Suns, I think the secret to their success is if the supporting cast of PG Cameron Payne, SG Landry Shamet and PF Cameron Johnson have more to give. These are all guys in their mid-20s who now know what it means to be a professional in the league. It’s almost inevitable that Paul will miss key games, or will need to play less or both.
Other players beyond Devin Booker need to step up.
At the same time, Booker is 25 and that is the age superstars truly reach their apex. Ayton is starting year five and this might be their last with this core.
Continuity coupled with urgency makes for a strong winning formula as long as they can block out the external noise. The Suns remain a favorite for the title this year, yet they are flying somewhat under the radar. Good time to pounce.
Favorite bets for the season at current odds include:
- Odds to win the 2023 NBA Championship: 12/1
- Odds to win the 2022-23 Western Conference: +500
- Odds to win the 2022-23 Pacific Division: +225
- 2022-23 Regular Season Win Total: Over 52½
2021-22 Record: 64-18
My Record Prediction: 59-23
NBA Odds According to Bovada as of October, 2022
Bet on the Phoenix Suns 2022-23 Season at Bovada Sportsbook.
