2010 Playoffs: Suns Vs Blazers Preview

Of all the four playoff series in the West, this series will easily be the worst. Surely it would be exciting to watch but a Blazers team without Roy will not succeed in the playoffs, maybe in the regular season but not in the playoffs. The Suns will host the Blazers at the U.S Airways Centre in Phoenix next week.

The Suns have been the best team since the all-star break and Amar’e Stoudemire has ticked on and returned into his old form since the trade deadline passed. He has once again proven why he is the best power forward in the league right now and some even regard him as the Suns’ MVP, although it is clear to some that Steve Nash is.

The bench of the Suns have also played a huge role in their recent regular season run. They have managed to out score opposing bench teams which has helped the Suns win games. I don’t believe they will slow down come playoff time and especially against the Blazers. Jared Dudley and Channing Frye are the two main guys who provide energy off the bench for the Suns by knocking down threes and Jared Dudley with the amazing hustle on the defensive end which results in easy offensive plays for the team. But then there’s also Goran Dragic and Louis Amundson who both are great defensive players who help along side Jared Dudley.

Given that the Suns’ will not have Robin Lopez that will be a major problem but not something that would mean all Suns’ fans lose faith in the Suns for. It’ll be a hassle if Marcus Camby does end up being a offensive threat to us but I’m sure with Louis Amundson on the court then there will be no major problems in containing Marcus Camby.

We’ve seen what Andre Miller can do on the offensive end and what the outcome of the game will be when he scores high numbers and given that Nash will be guarding him is only bad news for the Suns but that does not mean we will lose. Nash will never play defense or at least a substantial amount of it ever in his career so our only option will be to guard the paint carefully in case Andrew Miller drives the lane.

Marcus Camby and Andre Miller may not be the only problems for the Suns in the playoffs. Rudy Fernandez and Jerryd Bayless may become problems if they do go on a shooting streak and make shot and after shot to help get the Blazers back into the game.

Overall if the Suns do play defense and contain them from going on huge runs and shooting streaks then the Suns will be safe and will most likely advance to the second round where Robin Lopez will hopefully join them.