Tonight I have my first NBA Game Of The Month Post when the Suns hit the Icy Cold Philadelphia.
Tonight I think the Suns may be in some trouble for a number of reasons and I just got down pretty heavy myself against them.
Let us quickly look at why I think the 76ers hammer the Suns tonight.
Its an interesting fade spot to begin with based on the ludicrous work schedule the NBA bestowed on Phoenix.
Tonight will be the Suns 5th road game in just 8 days.... Which means as crazy as it sounds to play 5 games in 8 nights... the Suns players and coaches have had to get on planes after each of these games and fly around to another city, new hotel, etc...
So it is really 5 games, 6 Flights in 8 days.
At this level of competition, especially with a point (spread built in) there is no room for let down. So looking at the Suns current position, you have to stop and think that tonight at 7pm EST....that their minds may have already checked in on the plane back to warm Arizona instead of being into the game at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
The trip is obviously began taking its toll on the Suns against lowly Detroit on 01/22. You can see the Suns slowing down too. As any NBA fan has known over the years, the push pace game tempo is the Suns game plan. However, as the fan knows as well, the Suns starters have been getting older. Also, even the average fan knows that the Suns speed over the years has only really been effective when Steve Nash is on the floor (don't get me wrong, the Suns are fast without him, but he is the motor that makes it go.) Tonight, Nash (Who already has a bad back) will certainly be feeling it as he has logged over 37 minutes of playing time in the 4 road games to date not tom mention the numerous flights.
Lets look at a snap shot of the Suns last 4 road games to gauge their energy/game plan. On 1/17 against the Knicks 250 points were scored (Suns took 91 shots) , against Cleveland on 1/19 204 points were scored (Suns took 85 shots) , on 1/21 against Washington 200 points were scored and 1/22 against Detroit amere 149 were scored (Suns took 74 shots.) You can see by just the boxes that the point totals that the road has beaten the Suns, but that all ends tonight when they are chartered to fly back home after the game.
Enough beating on the Suns Schedule, but looking at other factors we see a resurgent 76ers team who revels in bringing in the big name franchises to Philly. The 76ers seem to play a much more energized level versus name brand teams and the have won 3 straight home games and are 13-7 SU and ATS at home this year.
The 76ers covered against big name teams beating the Bulls and Jazz and blew a 4th quarter lead to the Lakers and Celtics (76ers lost by 1) this season to highlight their efforts. Coversely, the Suns are Suns 9-13 SU on the road this season.
All though I always hide my secret sauce, from my public posts, I am feeling generous today...so here is tonights secret sauce....
Since January 26, 2001 the Phoenix Suns are a perfect 0-10 ATS after playing against the Pistons in Detroit. The Suns are an amazing 1-9 SU in their next game following playing at Detroit. They have lost the last 10 ATS by an average 12 points and in all but 2 of those 10 games did the Suns even come within 10 points of winning the game SU.
Tonight NBA Game Of The Month On The 76ers -4!
Good Luck