The Phoenix Suns have a disappointing 35-26 record this season, currently in sixth place in the NBAWestern Conference (and 2.5 games to be #10 in the conference).
They have a Big 3 of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, but injuries have affected team chemistry and continuity (with a Booker injury the latest setback).
It appears many NBA fans and analysts are willing to view the team as a contender for the NBA Finals or NBA Championship in 2024.
But not Jamal Crawford.
The former NBA player turned analyst is still among the Suns’ chances this season.
How high ?
He chooses Phoenix to participate in the NBA Finals this season.
Crawford made his prediction in an interview with Betway.com which was released on Tuesday, picking the Suns to face the Boston Celtics for the NBA title.
“In the West, I have the Phoenix Suns,” said Crawford, a three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year. “I feel like they’ve struggled this season. Obviously the fourth quarter was tough, but I don’t think they’ll hold up, I think Royce O’Neale was a pick -up sneaky. I also think Phoenix has built for the playoffs, and with Kevin Durant he won’t have the best season per se, but I still feel like he’s one of the best players , if not the best player in the game, then I just trust him in the playoffs and I trust Devin Booker in the playoffs.”
More:NBA Playoffs Photo, Standings: Here Are Each Team’s Odds
Jamal Crawford: Suns ‘can succeed’ in NBA playoffs
Crawford played in 64 games for the Suns during the 2018-19 season, averaging 7.9 points per game in 18.9 minutes per game, but that Suns team was a lot different than this Suns team.
Devin Booker is the only Suns player from that team still with the Suns. Phoenix went 19-63 this season, the worst record in the Western Conference.
Crawford likes Phoenix’s chances this season.
“Bradley Beal has been a perfect third option, he does a great job playing with those two (Booker, Durant),” Crawford told Betway. “I don’t think they’re done yet and I think they can get through this.”
NBA MVP odds:Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in the top 10
What the odds say about the Phoenix Suns’ NBA title chances
Interesting way, Betway’s own odds do not appear to favor Phoenix’s chances in the NBA title race.
The bookmaker places the Suns at +1400 odds of winning the 2024 NBA title, fifth in the league, but far behind the Top 4.
The Celtics are the NBA championship odds favorites at +225, followed by the Denver Nuggets at +450 and the Los Angeles Clippers at +500. The Milwaukee Bucks are fourth, at +700.
Crawford is therefore taking a bit of a risk with his choice of the Suns, since Phoenix is third in the Western Conference in these NBA title chances.
There’s still a lot of basketball left. You can’t count out the Suns yet.
NBA Championship Odds for Each Team:Celtics, Nuggets, Clippers favorites
Gannett can earn revenue from sports betting operators through public referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over this revenue and are in no way dependent on or connected to newsrooms or media coverage. Conditions apply, check the operator’s website for terms and conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1 -800-9- WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 years or older to play. Sports betting and gambling are not legal everywhere. Be sure to comply with applicable laws where you reside.
WANT TO BET? Here are the latest Phoenix Sunsodds and betting lines
Contact Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com Today.
