Phoenix Suns 2022-23 Betting Guide
Phoenix was in the NBA Finals a couple of seasons ago and was strong during the regular season last year too, posting the best record in the league. They are definitely in the mix though, you have to wonder if this group might have peaked. The ownership situation is not helping them either.
It would be a surprise if the Suns cratered this season as their core of Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton is still very good. Mikel Bridges is emerging as an elite 3 and D guy too. Still, it is hard to see where this team goes this season, especially with many teams in the West improving themselves (or getting healthier) this offseason.
The same probably could have been said a couple of seasons ago when they nearly won it all though.
Phoenix Suns
2021-22 Record: 64-18
2021-22 ATS Record: 44-38
2021-22 O/U Record: 40-41-1
2021-22 Year in Review
Phoenix did not have too much of a hangover from losing in the Finals last season, posting the best record during the regular season for the second year in a row. Last year they were not so strong in the playoffs, losing in the second round to Dallas.
During the season the depth of the Suns was invaluable but during the playoffs, they got caught with not enough strong scoring options. As great as Paul has been at running a team he has never been a go-to scorer. They needed more bucket-getters even though this team was very balanced.
2022-23 Phoenix Suns Futures
Pacific Division: +200
Western Conference: +430
NBA Title: +1000
There was a lot of expectation that the Suns were going to move off Ayton this offseason, but that wasn't the case. I think it was a smart move; he might not be elite in the post but he fits well with this group and gives them another dimension. I go back and forth on Booker in terms of where he is among the better players in the league. Some nights he looks like Top 10 and others he is just a shooter who gets to take a lot of shots.
The regular season has proven not much of a challenge for the Suns during the last couple of seasons. They have fallen short in the playoffs though so you have to wonder if they might use it a little differently this time around. They are giving Cam Johnson a shot to play the 4 this season, meaning they will have more offense but less grit on a nightly basis. They are expected to find a new home for Jae Crowder but even if they do it probably does not deliver an impactful player in return.
Phoenix Suns - Bets to Consider
Cam Johnson Most Improved Player +5000
I feel like this team has peaked so I am not hot on their team futures, even though I do consider them a legit contender. The Most Improved category is a wild one. Somehow Anthony Edwards is at the top of the table there and even Zion Williamson, who should be more Comeback Player of the Year candidate, but they don't have that award for the NBA. Here is why Cam Johnson could win it though. He might be the second-leading scorer on the team and be among the best three-point shooters in the league. All for a team expected to contend. The larger role gives him a real shot.
I also think Booker could be worth a flyer for most points at +2600. He averaged 27 ppg last season and a bunch of the guys ahead of him on the table are injury risks.
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