This evening, the Phoenix Suns (37-26) will be hosting the Boston Celtics (48-14), who currently hold the best record in the NBA. It will be their first encounter of the season.
The Celtics are not only leading the NBA in number of wins, but they also hold the top spot in average margin of victory (10.9), 3-pointers made per game (16.3), rebounds (47.2), and are second in blocks (6.5) and third in points (120.8). This information can be verified on the NBA website.
According to statistics, the Celtics hold the top spot in the NBA with an offensive rating of 121.4 (points scored per 100 possessions) and the second spot in the NBA with a defensive rating of 110.3 (points allowed per 100 possessions).
This results in an impressive net rating of 11.1 (point differential per 100 possessions), placing them as the best team in the league. In fact, if the season ended right now, the Celtics would rank sixth all-time in net rating and average margin of victory in NBA history, according to StatMuse.
Suns vs. Celtics
Despite Boston's current two-game losing streak, the Suns, who have achieved two consecutive wins, hold great admiration for the Celtics and their performance this season.
The starting five for Boston, consisting of Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis, have accumulated a total of 554 minutes in 33 games.
In comparison, the Suns' desired starting five of Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkić have only played for 274 minutes in 20 games.
This particular Celtics' lineup has an impressive offensive rating of 121.5 and a defensive rating of 109.1.
According to Suns' top player Kevin Durant, the team has had a fantastic year so far, as he stated after their 120-113 victory against the Raptors on Thursday. He believes that they have the strongest starting five in the league due to their big and versatile lineup.
The team has been playing together for a significant amount of time, which has helped them develop a strong understanding of each other. The additions of Jrue and Kristaps have been significant for the team.
Durant acknowledges that they have a tough task ahead of them, but he is excited for the challenge.
According to Beal, the key player for the opposing team is Tatum, who is known for his aggressive play and ability to score on all three levels. The addition of Porzingis also makes them a formidable opponent with his versatility, size, and shooting skills.
The Celtics are not only the top team in terms of making 3-pointers, they also have the highest number of 3-point attempts.
According to NBA statistics, Boston holds the first spot in the league with an average of 42.2 3-point attempts per game. On the other hand, the Suns give up the ninth-highest number of 3-pointers attempted at 36.2.
According to Durant, in order to be successful, it is important for them to stick to their team's style of play.
We just got to play our brand of ball, move the ball, take shots when they’re there, try to keep the ball in our hands, not turn it over and play physical defense.
Kevin Durant
This involves passing the ball, taking good shots, and maintaining possession while playing strong defense. In today's NBA, it is common for teams to prioritize shooting a high volume of 3-pointers, with many aiming for at least 40 attempts per game.
However, some teams like Boston may even attempt 60 or 50 3-pointers in a game due to their versatile roster of players who excel at shooting from beyond the arc.
Furthermore, Phoenix may receive positive news as Devin Booker (who has been sidelined for the last three games due to a right ankle sprain) is now listed as questionable for tonight's game.
In terms of Boston's roster, Brown's availability is uncertain due to a sacroiliac strain, while Tatum is expected to play despite a right ankle impingement.