After an off-season marked by key acquisitions and a renewed focus on team synergy, the Phoenix Suns will look to return to the postseason and advance deeper this time around. The team has been restructured and enhanced with a few key additions to help achieve that goal. Below, we’ll take a look at the Suns playoff chances and season-long props heading into the 2023-24 campaign.
Suns Playoff Chances
The Suns playoff chances heading into the 2023-24 season stand at 91% according to the odds set by DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Odds to make playoffs: -1000
- Percent to make playoffs: 91%
Suns Season-Long Props & Futures
- NBA Champion: +650
- Conference Winner: +350
- Division Winner: +145
- Regular season wins: 51.5
Phoenix Suns 2022-23 Season Recap
The 2022-23 season was a mixed bag for the Phoenix Suns. They finished with a respectable record of 45 wins and 37 losses, placing them in the middle of the pack in the Pacific Division. The team’s performance was characterized by a potent offense, averaging 113.6 points per game, and a solid rebounding effort with an average of 44.2 rebounds per game. The Suns also demonstrated a strong playmaking ability, averaging 27.3 assists per game.
The team was led by the dynamic duo of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Booker, the team’s shooting guard, played 53 games and averaged 27.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Durant, on the other hand, played only 8 games due to injury but still managed to average 26 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
However, the Suns’ season was not without its challenges. The team struggled with injuries, with key players like Eric Gordon, Ish Wainright, and Bradley Beal missing games. Despite these setbacks, the Suns managed to put up a strong fight in the highly competitive Western Conference.
The Suns’ performance in the 2022-23 season set the stage for a busy offseason, with the team making significant changes to its roster in a bid to compete for the championship in the upcoming season.
Offseason Changes
The Suns made some significant moves during the offseason to bolster their roster and improve their chances of a successful 2023-24 campaign. The most notable change was the acquisition of Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards. Beal, a three-time All-Star, brings a wealth of experience and scoring prowess to the Suns’ lineup. He averaged 30.6 points per game in the 2022-23 season and will undoubtedly be a key offensive weapon for Phoenix.
In addition to Beal, the Suns also added Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Keon Johnson, and Nassir Little in a three-team trade with the Portland Trail Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks. Nurkic, a skilled center, is expected to fill the void left by Deandre Ayton, who was traded to Portland as part of the deal. Nurkic’s physicality and rebounding ability will be crucial for the Suns, especially considering the team’s rebounding average of 44.2 per game last season.
The Suns also made changes to their coaching staff, bringing in former LA Lakers coach Frank Vogel to lead the team. Vogel’s experience and defensive-minded approach could be a game-changer for the Suns, who will be looking to improve their defensive performance in the upcoming season.
However, these changes also come with their own set of challenges. The Suns will need to quickly integrate their new players into the team and develop chemistry.
The shift from Chris Paul to Bradley Beal at the point guard position will also require adjustments in the team’s offensive strategies. Despite these challenges, the Suns’ offseason moves have undeniably strengthened their roster and positioned them as serious contenders for the 2023-24 NBA season.
Phoenix Suns Betting Odds
As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches, the betting odds for the Phoenix Suns reflect the team’s strong potential. The Suns’ offseason moves, including the acquisition of Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic, have significantly boosted their championship prospects. As a result, the Suns are currently listed with the third-best odds to win the NBA championship at +650, trailing only the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. This implies that a $10 bet on the Suns to win the championship would yield a total return of $65.
In addition to their championship odds, the Suns’ revamped roster has also influenced their individual player odds. Kevin Durant, who had an impressive albeit injury-shortened season last year, is listed at +1300 to win the NBA MVP award. This suggests that Durant is considered one of the top contenders for the prestigious award, reflecting his status as one of the league’s elite players.
2023-24 Season Preview
As the Phoenix Suns gear up for the 2023-24 NBA season, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement surrounding the team. The Suns have undergone significant changes in the offseason, bringing in a new head coach in Frank Vogel and adding star power in the form of Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic. These changes, coupled with the continued presence of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, make the Suns a formidable force in the upcoming season.
The Suns’ new-look roster boasts a potent combination of scoring prowess, defensive tenacity, and playmaking ability. The trio of Booker, Durant, and Beal is expected to lead the Suns’ offensive charge. Booker, who averaged 27.8 points per game last season, is one of the league’s premier scorers. Durant, despite playing only eight games last season due to injury, still managed to average 26 points per game. Beal, a three-time All-Star, brings additional scoring firepower to the Suns’ lineup.
On the defensive end, the Suns will be looking to improve upon their performance from last season. The addition of Nurkic, known for his physicality and rebounding ability, should bolster the Suns’ defense. The team will also be relying on Josh Okogie, a solid defender, to contribute significantly on this end of the floor.
The Suns’ depth will also be a key factor in their success this season. Players like Eric Gordon, Keita Bates-Diop, Grayson Allen, and Bol Bol provide the Suns with a strong bench that can contribute on both ends of the floor. This depth will be crucial in managing player fatigue and injuries throughout the long NBA season.
However, the Suns’ success will not solely hinge on their star players or depth. The team’s ability to quickly integrate their new players and develop chemistry will be crucial. The shift from Chris Paul to Bradley Beal at the point guard position will require adjustments in the team’s offensive strategies. Coach Vogel’s ability to effectively manage these changes and maximize the potential of this star-studded roster will be key.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Phoenix Suns enter the 2023-24 season with a number of notable strengths that position them as serious contenders for the NBA championship. The team’s offensive firepower is arguably their biggest strength. With a star-studded trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, the Suns boast one of the most potent offenses in the league. This trio’s scoring prowess, combined with their ability to create plays, makes the Suns a formidable offensive force. Additionally, the Suns’ depth, with players like Eric Gordon, Keita Bates-Diop, Grayson Allen, and Bol Bol, provides the team with a strong bench that can contribute on both ends of the floor. This depth will be crucial in managing player fatigue and injuries throughout the long NBA season.
On the defensive end, the Suns have made strides to improve their performance. The addition of Jusuf Nurkic, known for his physicality and rebounding ability, should bolster the Suns’ defense. Josh Okogie, a solid defender, is also expected to contribute significantly on this end of the floor. However, the team will need to work on integrating their new players and developing chemistry on the defensive end.
Despite these strengths, the Suns also face a number of challenges. The shift from Chris Paul to Bradley Beal at the point guard position will require adjustments in the team’s offensive strategies. Integrating new players into the team and developing chemistry will also be crucial challenges for the Suns. Additionally, the team’s rebounding, which averaged 44.2 per game last season, could be an area of concern. With the departure of Deandre Ayton, the Suns will need to find ways to effectively control the boards. The team’s ability to navigate these challenges will be key to their success in the upcoming season.
Suns Finishing Position & Preseason Pick
After a thorough analysis of the Phoenix Suns’ performance in the 2022-23 season, their offseason changes, and the potential strategies for the upcoming season, it’s time to make a definitive pick for their 2023-24 NBA season.
The Suns, with their star-studded lineup of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, are poised to be a dominant force in the Western Conference. Their potent offense, bolstered defense, and deep roster make them serious contenders for the NBA championship. However, the team will need to navigate the challenges of a new roster, potential injuries, and the rigors of a long NBA season. If they can successfully manage these factors, the Suns could very well find themselves back in the NBA Finals, this time with a real shot at securing the championship title.
However, it’s important to note that the NBA season is long and unpredictable, and numerous factors such as injuries, team chemistry, and in-season trades can significantly impact a team’s performance. Therefore, while the Suns’ betting odds indicate a strong season, they should be considered in conjunction with other factors such as team performance, player health, and overall league trends.
Taking all these factors into account, the definitive pick for the Phoenix Suns’ 2023-24 NBA season is that they will finish in the top three of the Western Conference.