First month Prediction

[slinslin]

3 Wed Atlanta
5 Fri @ Philadelphia
6 Sat @ New Jersey
9 Tue @ Chicago
10 Wed @ Cleveland
13 Sat Sacramento
16 Tue @ Dallas
17 Wed @ New Orleans
19 Fri L.A. Lakers
21 Sun @ L.A. Clippers
22 Mon Chicago
24 Wed Milwaukee
26 Fri New Orleans
30 Tue @ Utah

What stands out are the 3 back to back road games with the 2nd games against Cleveland, New Orleans and New Jersey. 3 "easy" teams though I'd guess we will drop one of those.

I think we will lose the last one @ Utah because Jerry Sloan coached teams don't seem to be good matchups for the Suns although the frontline of Boozer and Okur should make Amare happy on offense.

I really think we will win Nash' return game to Dallas although it looks like the toughest game in the first month.

We will probably split with Sacramento and Lakers at home at least.

The rest are all "must" wins although the Clippers usually give us trouble and Philly could be a matchup problem.

I'd say best case 13-1. Worst case 9-5.

Unlike last season we should definately have a good start in the season which is a big plus!

 

[elindholm]

Worst case 9-5.

Seriously? You'll be disappointed with 9-5? I think 9-5 would be pretty darn good.

 

[slinslin]

Considering the schedule I wouldn't be happy with 9-5, it would be ok I guess.

Atlanta, Chicago, Chicago, New Jersey, New Orleans, New Orleans, Milwaukee are absolute must wins. And we should win at least 2 against Philly, Cleveland, Clippers, Dallas, Utah, Sacramento and Lakers.

 

[elindholm]

Atlanta, Chicago, Chicago, New Jersey, New Orleans, New Orleans, Milwaukee are absolute must wins.

It's no better than 50-50 that the Suns win the Atlanta game, because they almost always lose their season opener, no matter how weak the opponent is.

And why will they necessarily win both against the Hornets? The Hornets probably aren't playoff caliber, but they sure aren't a joke.

 

[slinslin]

We beat them pretty easily towards the end of last season I remember. They have gotten no better since that. They are probably worse than that right now.

 

[NugzFan]

I'd say best case 13-1. Worst case 9-5.

wow

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

And why will they necessarily win both against the Hornets? The Hornets probably aren't playoff caliber, but they sure aren't a joke.

They are getting pretty close. Mash is already out for the year, and Davis is unhappy. Last season they went into a tailspin and never recovered. It doesn't look like they have settled any of their issues.

 

[hoopdedo42]

9-5 right out of the blocks. That sounds great for this team. They are still a very young team even with Nash. I'm still a little worried about our depth in bench players. They have been practicing for a while now but, it will be interesting to see what they can do against other NBA starters. Man it's almost here. It's going to be so great!

 

[PhxGametime]

14-0 IMO between 8-11 wins. A few of these teams don't impress like in years past but in NBA, there are upsets (a few we could pull off) but again (a few weaker teams could beat us). 9-5 is in reach...

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

The team should win 9 of the first 14. The team is supposedly already playing as a unit, and have gelled quickly. That is good for a few wins while other teams get aquainted. Also, they will be able to catch some teams by surprise early on. Not to mention their schedule is pretty weak to start out the season, so the talent is there to win the games.

I have been saying for a while I think the suns will get out of the gate fast. Of course, I also think they will slow down a lot once they are a quarter into the season.

 

[George O'Brien]

Obviously no game is a lock, but Slin is right that the Suns have a good shot at a strong opening due to the nature of the schedule. If the Suns are going to make the playoffs they have to start well because it will get a lot tougher later on.

 

[Espo]

I think 11-3 is attainable for this early schedule but i think that 9-5 is more realistic. hopefully they can get off to a fast start beause i want to see this team win early and often.

 

[Dback Jon]

8-10 wins with that schedule would be good. Too many back to back games.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

Just interesting to look back on this one.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Slin is a genius!!! Good call eric,especially on New Orleans!!!

 

[elindholm]

Good call eric,especially on New Orleans!!!

Yeah, I was way off, I admit it. I should have realized that Baron Davis would immediately get injured again, but for some reason I didn't see that coming.

 

[George O'Brien]

Good call eric,especially on New Orleans!!!

Yeah, I was way off, I admit it. I should have realized that Baron Davis would immediately get injured again, but for some reason I didn't see that coming.

Perhaps we should put together the "All Likely To Get Injured" roster. Davis would be at least a backup if not a starter.