Just a few a years ago, the Phoenix Suns were not even considered any sort of playoff contender with their roster. That quickly changed after their 8-0 Bubble run as they reached the NBA Finals last year and currently expected to exceed the 65-win mark this season. Phoenix seems to be on their own stratosphere as they just ramp through opponents, especially with the legendary numbers they record in the clutch.

Devin Booker is in the midst of the best season of his career as a possible first team All-NBA candidate, while Chris Paul will likely be first or second team All-NBA as well. It is not just these two backcourt assets who are magnificent for Phoenix as role players who have taken a leap this year are Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Cam Payne. As the Suns sit atop the Western Conference with two weeks left in the season, they must keep their momentum and keep everyone healthy for the stretch run.

Suns First-Round Matchups, Ranked

#3 – Los Angeles Clippers (3rd)

For a team that has been struggling for the whole year, the Los Angeles Clippers could be one of the toughest matchups for a first seed in recent memory. The Clippers welcomed back Paul George last Tuesday night with an instant 34-point outing, while Norman Powell and Kawhi Leonard could possibly be ready for a postseason run as well.

It is not with these three individuals who would form a lethal scoring trio, but they have proven guys like Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris Sr. and Luke Kennard who would definitely be dangerous for the Suns team. Obviously, the exceptional chemistry and camaraderie still puts the massive advantage in a seven-game series, but the sheer firepower and superstar talent may give the Clippers a slim chance of upsetting close to a a 70-win regular season squad.

#2 – Los Angeles Lakers (2nd)

Another star-studded franchise that has not been complete for long period of time this season, the Los Angeles Lakers will still be a force to be reckoned with if they get past the playoff tournament. It will be an intriguing first round rematch against Phoenix from last season that was full of entertaining and exciting games.

The Lakers pounded on their duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis that propelled them to a 2-1 series lead over the Suns, but the groin injury incurred by Davis in Game 4 forced the Lakers to lose three consecutive matches. Even with the subpar defense and lack of outside shooting, James still has the track record of carrying his own team on his back in the playoffs, so the door should not be shut with four top 75 players on their roster.

#1 – New Orleans Pelicans (1st)

For a team that has no Zion Williamson entering the play-in tournament and playoffs, they could possibly by swept by the Suns or Memphis Grizzlies in a seven-game series. With Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum as the main scorers and decision-makers in the biggest stage, that would not be close to enough in posing an enormous challenge for Paul, Booker, and the Suns.

The depth of the Pelicans is questionable as well, so the lack of options in competing with the deep Suns lineup will be insurmountable for coach Willie Green. Playing Phoenix in a seven-game series would be difficult for them as well defensively as their defensive rating is below average in the league at 17th. Paul and Booker would just search for various ways to breakdown the perimeter defense and attack the interior defense of Jonas Valanciunas.

As the Suns are on pace to be in the category with some of the best regular season teams ever, they are projected to reach the finals and possibly even win it all this season. This journey would be led by Paul, Booker, and most importantly the favorite for Coach of the Year Monty Williams.