We’ve seen the first team of the NBA season reach 50 wins, with the Phoenix Suns extending their advantage at the top of the Western Conference.
Having lost last year’s finals, Monty Williams’ men once again look like genuine contenders for the Larry O’Brien Trophy but they do face another stern test over the next week.
Meanwhile, both Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers are on the up, and are teams to watch as we enter a crucial stage of the NBA season.
Phoenix Firing on All Cylinders
The Suns have won eight of their last 10 fixtures to increase their lead at the top of the West to seven games, with the points flowing for Phoenix.
Last year’s beaten finalists have scored 100+ points in each of their last 10 games and have racked up 124+ points in four of their last six outings.
Devin Booker still leads the way in scoring for the franchise – averaging 25.6 points per game, which leaves him 11th in the individual season points’ standings.
But Point guard Chris Paul has been equally important, leading the league in assists (averaging 10.7 per game) and joint second for steals.
In the next seven days, though, we should have a better idea as to where Phoenix are with games against last season’s champions Milwaukee Bucks (Sunday) and then facing Eastern Conference leaders Miami Heat next Thursday.
Continuing the climb.
With tonight's performance, Devin Booker has officially passed Steve Nash to reach 7th in the all-time Suns scoring list. pic.twitter.com/Eq8h0N81i6
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 25, 2022
Harden Helping Philly Make a Charge
Philadelphia 76ers have looked impressive for the majority of this season, but the addition of James Harden has definitely taken them to the next level.
The 76ers have won all three games since Harden has taken to the court, with the 32-year-old scoring 27 points against Minnesota and then 29 and 26 in a double-header against the Knicks.
Not only has Harden added a different dimension to Philly but he’s also taken some of the pressure off Joel Embiid, who continues to lead the league in points scoring – averaging 29.8 per game.
The next week could also help define their season, with Doc Rivers’ squad facing four back-to-back games against Eastern rivals – Cleveland, Miami, Chicago and Brooklyn.
Also in a good run of form are the LA Clippers, who have won their last four games to move them into the top eight in the West.
They now face another big game against LA rivals the Lakers on Friday, six days on from a 105-102 success over LeBron James and co. The Clippers are 20/27 to win that clash, with the Lakers available to back at 6/5.
Miami Step up Offensive Pace
Miami Heat’s good form this season has been built around a strong defensive ethos, but the points have started to flow over the last few games.
The Heat have scored 479 points in their last four matches, which includes a 133-129 win over San Antonio when Bam Adebayo made 36 points.
Up next for Erik Spoelstra’s men is a trip to New York on Friday, when they face a Brooklyn Nets team that have slipped to eighth after just three wins in their last 10 games.
The Heat are 4/6 to collect another win over the Nets, having beaten them twice already this season, while Brooklyn are available at 13/10.
*All odds correct at time of writing.