The Phoenix Suns are currently facing off against the Golden State Warriors on April 8, 2025, in a critical matchup as they fight for their playoff lives. Unfortunately for the Suns, they are once again without their star forward Kevin Durant, who continues to recover from a sprained left ankle he suffered on March 30 against the Houston Rockets. This game marks the fourth consecutive contest that Durant has missed, and the Suns are in dire need of his scoring prowess as they struggle to stay in contention for a playoff spot.
The Suns entered this game sitting 11th in the Western Conference standings, trailing the Dallas Mavericks by two and a half games for the final Play-In spot. With a record of 35-43, the Suns are in a precarious position, as one more loss could effectively eliminate them from postseason contention. To make matters worse, the team is currently on a six-game losing streak, highlighting their struggles without Durant in the lineup.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer provided an update on Durant’s condition ahead of the game, stating, “He got some shots up today, moved a tiny bit. So making progress but you know nothing more than just shooting right now. There’d have to be a big leap between now and tomorrow.” This news is disheartening for Suns fans, as it suggests that Durant may not return for the crucial game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 9, which could further jeopardize the team’s playoff chances.
Durant's absence has had a significant impact on the Suns' performance. Since his injury, the team has lost all four games, averaging just 108.3 points per game, a stark drop from their season average of 116.6. Defensively, they have also struggled, allowing 129 points per game compared to their usual 119.2. Durant has been a key player for Phoenix this season, averaging 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from three-point range.
The Suns will need to rely heavily on their other stars, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, to step up in Durant’s absence. Booker has been particularly impressive, scoring 39, 37, and 40 points in the three games since Durant went down. His prop bet for this game is set at 28.5 points, which many analysts consider a favorable line given his recent performances.
As the Suns face the Warriors, a team currently positioned sixth in the Western Conference with a record of 46-32, they are set as 9.5-point underdogs at home. This matchup is crucial, not just for the Suns, but also for the Warriors, who are looking to solidify their playoff position and avoid the Play-In Tournament.
Historically, the Suns have had some success against the Warriors earlier this season, defeating them decisively with a score of 130-105 on January 31, 2025. In that game, Devin Booker led the charge with 31 points and 11 assists, while Nick Richards dominated the boards with 16 rebounds. However, the current situation is much different, with the Suns needing to find a way to win without their superstar.
Looking ahead, the Suns have a challenging schedule. After facing the Warriors, they will host the Oklahoma City Thunder, who currently hold the best record in the NBA at 64-14. The Suns are in a must-win situation, needing to go 3-1 in their final four games to have any hope of making the playoffs. They also need the Mavericks and Kings to lose their remaining games to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
As the clock ticks down on the regular season, the Suns find themselves in a precarious position. With Durant’s status uncertain and the team struggling to find its rhythm, every game counts. If they fail to make the playoffs, it could prompt significant changes in the offseason, including the potential trade of Durant, who was expected to be a cornerstone of the franchise.
In the meantime, the Suns must focus on the task at hand: defeating the Warriors and keeping their playoff hopes alive. With the pressure mounting, the team will look to their remaining stars to rally and deliver the performance of a lifetime. Fans are left wondering if this will be the turning point in their season or if it will be yet another disappointing chapter in what has been a tumultuous year for the franchise.
