The Cleveland Cavaliers are launching into a challenging five-game road trip on the West Coast, beginning with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center. This game holds significance for the Cavaliers as they aim to complete a season sweep, having previously beaten the Suns on New Year’s Eve at Rocket Arena.
Since that last encounter, the Suns have enjoyed a strong start to January, boasting a 6-3 record. They have demonstrated resilience by securing victories against formidable opponents such as the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Detroit Pistons, who they faced just last night in the first leg of a back-to-back series. Despite facing setbacks, including injuries to key players like Devin Booker, who is sidelined for about a week due to a sprained ankle, and Jalen Green, who has experienced a hamstring issue, the Suns have continued to perform like a postseason contender.
An interesting aspect of the Suns that goes beyond their stats is their physical style of play. They rank among the top five teams in the league for fouls called against them, leading to frequent free throw opportunities for opposing teams. Despite this, the Suns also rank highly in points allowed per game and steals, indicating their ability to balance aggression with effective defense.
As the trade deadline approaches, Phoenix finds itself in a position to consider potential upgrades, particularly at the power forward position. However, management is also keen on remaining below the luxury tax threshold, creating a complex situation for team owner Mat Ishbia as they navigate their options.
Considering the context of their recent performances, if the Suns were to falter, it could likely be attributed to player fatigue. Following a demanding game against the Detroit Pistons, they now face the Cavaliers in the second leg of their back-to-back. The performance of Suns center Mark Williams will be pivotal in this matchup, especially in maintaining control of the paint against Cleveland.
As for predictions, analysts believe that the Cavaliers could take advantage of the Suns’ current challenges and come out on top in a closely contested game, with a margin of victory expected to be around five points. This matchup promises to be an exciting showdown as both teams aim for crucial wins in the competitive landscape of the NBA.