Phoenix Suns vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction: The Suns have lost their way a lot

The NBA season has once again brought to us some of the most memorable battles and performances in recent history. This has been an amazing season where we have seen records break at an electric pace and can potentially end up with LeBron James overtaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and becoming the all-time number-one scorer. But then there are squads, who have had forgettable seasons, one of these squads, the Phoenix Suns is going to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Suns come into this game after losing 96:104 against the Miami Heat despite a 23 points and 14 rebounds night by Deandre Ayton. This was the Suns’ fifth straight loss and they have now 20 wins and 20 losses, which is a shocking record after the team reached the West Finals last season and had the best record in the league. The woes have extended ever since Devin Booker has been injured and the Suns haven’t identified someone who can score 20+ in his absence. Due to the lack of such production, Phoenix has scored 100 or less for most parts.

The trouble is that Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges haven’t taken the next step that could propel the Suns to last season's heights. There is a high chance that the Suns can explore the market to haul in a player who can be a long-term option in absence of Ayton. Chris Paul’s magic has receded this season and he isn’t the same scorer. The team has been further hurt due to the absence of sharpshooting Wing Cameron Johnson and versatile Point Guard Cameron Payne, both of whom were key components during last season’s exploits.

The Cavaliers come into this game after suffering a 108:121 loss against the Denver Nuggets despite a 22 points performance by Caris LeVert. This loss broke Cavs’ three-game winning streak. They have 25 wins and 15 losses, a record that has been this way mostly after the team inserted Donovan Mitchell into the mix who has been scoring 25+ continuously and has had a league-high 71 points this season. The Cavs have a tough schedule ahead, playing eight of their 11 games away from home.

The Cavs have an amazing defense like the last season and have allowed fewer than 107 points a game, which is the league's best effort. They are amazing at restricting the opposition’s field goal makes(39.0, 1st in the league). The defensive discipline is largely driven by young Forward Evan Mobley and imposing Jarrett Allen in the middle, as they are surrounded by a deep defensive lineup where bench players also get it done. For Cavs to take the next step, I believe a 50%+ win record during the eight-game road trip will be a big haul.

• Suns: OUT: Devin Booker, Cameron Johnson, Cameron Payne. QUESTIONABLE: Chris Paul;
• Cavaliers: OUT: Dean Wade, Dylan Windler, Ricky Rubio. Game-Time Decisions: Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Deandre Ayton(22-26 Points), Caris LeVert(20-25 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Deandre Ayton(11-13 Rebounds), Jarrett Allen(10-13 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Chris Paul(9-11 Assists).

The Suns have been awful and they have had no cohesion on either end, completely derailing without Devin Booker, whose impact is now felt. For the Cavs, there are a bunch of injury troubles with Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell both being in the “QUESTIONABLE” designation. Their absence or presence can swing the game either way so it is difficult to predict the outcome in advance. That’s why I’d rather opt for the total and believe this will be a low-scorer(Below 210 perhaps)