3 bold predictions for rest of 2021-22 NBA season

The Phoenix Suns became the first team to reach 50 wins with a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. It was a blowout win, improving their league-best record to 50-12.

The Suns did this without their two best players, as Chris Paul is out for at least 6-8 weeks with a right thumb injury while Devin Booker was placed in health and safety protocols.

Cameron Johnson led the team in scoring with 20 points, but it was an all-around team effort. Although it’s a tough blow for their stars to be out, it provides an opportunity for the role players to grow.

This can help them come playoff time as they try to make it back to the NBA Finals. Phoenix lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games last season. However, they have come out with a vengeance and dominated the regular season. The upcoming stretch will be crucial without their star duo.

The Golden State Warriors are seven games behind the Suns in the Western Conference, and the gap could be closed. Having the number one seed could be pivotal in a competitive West. Phoenix will have to stay afloat with their role players to remain in control of the top seed.

With that said, here are three bold predictions for the Phoenix Suns for the rest of the 2021-22 NBA season.

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Phoenix Suns: 3 bold predictions for rest of 2021-22 NBA season

3. Role players pick up the slack for injured Paul

Losing a star player usually spells trouble for teams, but the Suns have the benefit of depth. Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson are two great young three and d wings that have consistently improved.

Bridges is averaging 13.4 points per game along with 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals. He is shooting 53.5 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from three. His defensive ability and solid scoring make him a valuable young player.

Johnson also played well, averaging 12.4 points per game and 4.1 rebounds. He is shooting 46.9 percent from the field and a superb 43.7 percent from deep.

Phoenix has even more role players with Jae Crowder, JaVale McGee, Landry Shamet, Aaron Holiday, and Torrey Craig. This depth helps them account for injuries and will help them make a deep playoff run.

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2. Devin Booker finishes top 10 in MVP voting

While Devin Booker is in health and safety protocols, it won’t keep him out long enough to hurt his MVP case. Although Booker is unlikely to take home the trophy, he should finish in the top 10. Booker is averaging 25.6 points per game, along with 5.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists.

He is shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from downtown. He, alongside Paul, has been the catalyst to Phoenix’s success this season.

With Paul out for an extended period of time, Booker will be looked upon to play at an even higher level. If his play continues to translate to wins in the absence of Paul, he will move up in the MVP rankings.

1. Suns win the West

While the West hath multiple contenders, the Suns are destined to reach the Finals again. They have the stars, with Booker and Paul, a borderline star center in Deandre Ayton, and great role players at every position.

Their most formidable opponent will be the Warriors, who have championship experience. A healthy Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green would be challenging to defeat, but Phoenix can counter them. With their wing defenders, they can contain Curry and Thompson, while Ayton can exploit their lack of an elite center.

Ayton is a great offensive player, as he can post-up, catch lobs, hit the mid-range, and even on occasion three-point shot. He is averaging 16.5 points per game paired with 10 rebounds. Ayton has been efficient, shooting a career-high 64.2 percent from the field.

Defense is the weakness in his game, but the Warriors don’t have a top-tier center to take advantage of him.

If he plays at a high level in the series, paired with their star duo and role players, the Suns will be difficult for any team to beat.

Even though Phoenix has a challenging road to the Finals, they have the talent to get it done. Monty Williams group has come out on a mission, and they do not seem to be stopping anytime soon.

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