Phoenix: The Suns Are Rising in the West

The consensus right now is that the Phoenix Suns will not make the playoffs and Dallas will.

The reality is just the opposite.

Since Mar. 1, the Suns have outscored their opponents by an average of 118-114, as Dallas has outscored their opponents 104-102.

Phoenix is 7-6 in March, while Dallas is 8-5 in March.

We are now at the close of the season with 11 games remaining, and, believe it or not, the Phoenix Suns are poised to supersede the Mavs for the eighth and final spot and will shock the Dallas faithful.

If we take a look at the schedule, there is one glaring matchup for both of these teams that could define who gets in and who doesn't, a matchup every NBA fan should take the time to watch, and a matchup of epic proportions, but we'll get to that in a second.

The last 11 games favor Phoenix better than Dallas, and it could be the key factor in the Sun's success if they can keep up their tempo and continue to win games like they have been, so long as they don't burn out...*cough*.

Aside from Portland tonight, the Suns face Sacramento, Memphis, Utah, New Orleans, Minnesota, and Dallas on the road—did I give it away?

On their own court, they face Sacramento, Houston, Memphis, and Golden State and although the schedule on paper looks incredibly difficult, their recent play suggests that they can beat anyone.

As I look on, I am predicting Phoenix to go 8-3 with losses only to Utah, New Orleans, and possibly Minnesota—did I give it away yet?

Dallas, on the other hand, has some serious games to bone up to down the stretch.

On the road, the Mavs will face Cleveland (ouch,) Minnesota, Memphis, and the team they haven't beaten yet, New Orleans (and we all know what happened the last time these two played.)

At home, Dallas will play Denver, Miami, New Orleans again, Phoenix, Utah, Minnesota again, and finally Houston, a much less favorable schedule indeed, one that should yield no more than four or maybe five wins, tops.

So what about this epic matchup? What could be the one thorn in Dallas' side that could louse up an entire season?

How about Apr. 5, Phoenix vs. Dallas!

Dallas currently leads the series 2-1, but Phoenix has the better overall conference and division record, not to mention Phoenix is playing better ball as of late.

If Phoenix can keep up their tempo, and beat Dallas in Dallas, their chances become significantly better than most thought.

Then it's just a matter of getting by the Lakers. Easy right?