Phoenix Suns 2016 NBA Draft Lottery Watch: March 15th

It’s a monster week for the Suns lottery watch. Why? Find out momentarily.

1. Philadelphia 76ers (9-57)

Last Week: 1-2 with losses to the Rockets and Pistons and a win against the Nets.

The Sixers ended their 13-game losing streak when they beat Brooklyn by six on Friday. Philly is without rookie Jahlil Okafor for the rest of the season due to a knee injury — bad for his development, but not necessarily bad for their chances of winning games. According to NBA.com, the Sixers are 12.2 points worse per 100 possessions when Okafor is on the court.

This Week: at the Nets on Tuesday, vs. the Wizards on Thursday, vs. the Thunder on Friday, vs. the Celtics on Sunday

I’ll guess they pick up one more win this week either against the Nets or struggling Wizards.

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2. Los Angeles Lakers (14-53)

Last Week: 1-2 with a win against the Magic and losses to the Cavaliers and Knicks.

It came this close to being a 2-1 week, but Jose Calderon knocked down a three with 0.2 seconds left to lift New York past Los Angeles Sunday. A loss would have put the Suns only three games behind the Lakers for the second-worst record. Los Angeles and Phoenix play twice in the next two weeks.

This Week: vs. the Kings on Tuesday and vs. the Suns on Friday

A quiet two-game week for the Lakers and both games are winnable.

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3. Phoenix Suns (17-49)

Last Week: 0-3 with losses to the Knicks, Nuggets and Warriors

The fourth quarter in an embrassing loss to New York was one of the most pathetic displays of basketball I’ve seen this season. It was like the rookie-sophmore game All-Star Weekend for Knicks forward Derrick Williams. Phoenix played alright against the Nuggets and then surprised against Golden State, but that was really just about Stephen Curry getting in foul trouble.

This Week: vs. the Timberwolves on Monday, at the Jazz on Thursday, at the Lakers on Friday

This is moving week for the Suns. If they’re going to catch the Lakers and take over the second-best lottery odds another 0-3 week with the Lakers going 2-0 can help a lot.

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4. Brooklyn Nets (18-48)

Last Week: 0-3 with losses to the Raptors, 76ers and Bucks

A week to celebrate for the Celtics. Brooklyn had two winnable games and lost them both. The Nets are only a game behind the Suns for the third lottery slot and have lost six of seven.

This Week: vs. 76ers on Tuesday, at the Bulls on Thursday, at the Pistons on Saturday

I could see the Nets beating the Sixers or Bulls, but I also thought they’d win a game last week.

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5. Minnesota Timberwolves (21-45)

Last Week: 1-2 with losses to the Hornets and Spurs and a win against the Thunder.

The T’Wolves went into Oklahoma City and beat the Thunder. Yes, you read that correctly. That’s quite the way to start a road trip, which continues for the next three games.

This Week: at the Suns on Monday, at the Grizzlies on Wednesday, at the Rockets on Friday.

Minnesota is fighting off the Pelicans, who have pulled to within 3.5 games of the fifth slot.