Phoenix Suns 2016 NBA Draft Lottery Watch: March 29
Mar 28, 2016, 7:25 AM | Updated: 11:18 am
Only nine games stand between the Phoenix Suns and the merciful end to a forgettable season — and the sixth straight campaign where the boys in purple and orange will be postseason spectators.
Here’s our weekly look at where Phoenix sits in the standings and what that means for their draft position.
1. Philadelphia 76ers (9-65)
Last Week: 0-4 with losses to the Pacers, Nuggets, Trail Blazers and Warriors
The losing streak has reached nine games for Philadelphia. They’re going to clinch the worst record in the NBA very shortly and could tie the 1972-73 Sixers for the second-worst record in league history in they lose their remaining eight games.
This Week: Tuesday vs. Hornets, Friday at Hornets, Saturday vs. Pacers.
2. Los Angeles Lakers (15-58)
Last Week: 1-3 with the only win coming against the Grizzlies. Los Angeles lost to the Suns, Nuggets and Wizards.
The loss to Phoenix pretty much locked the Lakers into the second-best lottery chances. L.A. needs to select in the top three to keep their pick this season or else it goes to Philadelphia.
This Week: Monday at Jazz, Wednesday vs. Heat, Sunday vs. Celtics
It’ll be an interesting week for the “Kobe Farewell Tour” as the Lakers will take on Miami and Boston for the final times during Bryant’s career.
3. Phoenix Suns (20-53)
Last Week: 1-3 with the only win against the Lakers. Phoenix lost to the Grizzlies, Kings and Celtics.
The loss to the Celtics was big in terms of giving themselves some distance from the Nets for the third slot. The Suns now have a 1.5-game advantage over Brooklyn heading into the week’s action.
This Week: Monday at Timberwolves, Wednesday at Bucks, Friday vs. Wizards, Sunday vs. Jazz
4. Brooklyn Nets (21-51)
Last Week: 2-1 with wins against the Cavaliers and Pacers. The only loss came to the Hornets.
Winning streak alert, sound the alarm — Brooklyn not only won two straight games, but beat two playoff teams.
This Week: Monday at Heat, Tuesday at Magic, Thursday at Cavaliers, Friday at Knicks
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (24-49)
Last Week: 2-2 with losses to the Warriors and Jazz. Minnesota beat the Kings and Wizards.
The T’Wolves are holding off the Pelicans for the fifth-highest lottery chances as New Orleans is 2.5 games behind.
This Week: Monday vs. Suns, Wednesday vs. Clippers, Friday at Jazz, Sunday vs. Mavericks
