What a Suns Victory Would Mean vs Kings

The Phoenix Suns' championship hopes could be reassured with a victory over a top-seeded Western Conference team.

Coming off a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Phoenix Suns are looking to bounce back against one of the best teams in the West. This game will be a big test for the Suns as the playoffs are nearing. While they will be without Kevin Durant, Phoenix is still capable of pulling off a win.

The Sacramento Kings are coming off a 23-point loss to the Boston Celtics, as Boston dominated the entire game. Even so, it's likely the Kings will be hungry for a victory after a frustrating loss.

More than anything, this game could be a preview of the Suns' supporting cast in the playoffs. In a game where the Suns desperately need a win, bench/role players will have to step up under pressure. Furthermore, they'll have to prove they won't let recent struggles keep them down. 

Devin Booker and Durant (who remains out) have proved themselves many times, but the rest of the team still needs to step up in the heat of the moment. The Suns will also be without Ayton, making it less likely they pull out a victory. 

The beauty about this game for Phoenix is that it's a low-risk, high-reward scenario. If they lose, it doesn't mean much considering they're missing their best and third best player. However, if they win, it'll instill confidence in the team and their outlook for the playoffs as the regular season begins to wind down. 

The Kings are a top team in a weak Western Conference this season, and the Suns are all in, pushing for a title win this year. The Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies are their biggest competition, but the Kings have shown a lot of fight. 

Even though they haven't been to the playoffs in 17 years, Sacramento is a different team than even last season. They have been cruising to a top-three seed in the West, and will be looking to make noise in the playoffs. 

If the Suns' supporting cast can help Booker to a win over a big-time team in a key moment, it would be an incredible sign for the playoffs. Hopefully Booker can come close to replicating his 70-point performance that took place six years ago on the dot.