Suns and Celtics Clash to Prove NBA Playoff Contention

(Photo : (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)) CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 11: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates making a three-point basket during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 11, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns will face the Boston Celtics tonight in what should be an epic clash.

Both teams are looking toward the playoffs, but a win for either side would be great for getting momentum as we head to the final weeks of the NBA season.

Durant and the Suns are hot, having won three of the last five. Their previous win came against the No.2 seed in the East, Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Boston Celtics remain a strong force in the Eastern Conference, holding on to the number one seed despite losing to some big-time opponents in recent weeks.

Celtics vs. Suns: Familiar Foes

Both teams previously met back on March 9th. In this matchup, the Suns won 117-107 against the Celtics behind a strong performance from Kevin Durant, who scored a season-high 45 points, ten rebounds, and six assists.

Devin Booker has now come back from injury earlier this week. The Suns All-Star missed their previous match due to an ankle injury. Booker came right back to form as he dropped 27 points for the Suns against the Cavaliers.

Suns Fighting for Playoff Preference

This win would mean a lot for the Phoenix Suns going into the playoffs.

The Suns are currently jockeying for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, looking to move up the ladder in these remaining weeks.

They are currently the No.7 seed in the Western Conference, tied with the Sacramento Kings at 38-27, and are fighting to avoid the dreaded Play-In.

Celtics Need to Put Up a Convincing Performance

Despite remaining the first seed in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics have faltered a bit with some losses to the best teams in the East.

The Celtics blew a 22-point lead against the Cavaliers and another big game against the Denver Nuggets in the final moments, with Jason Tatum missing a wide-open three to take the lead.

Beating a surging Suns would not only get them back on track but could possibly serve as a reminder to the rest of the league on why Boston is so good.

Tatum is fresh off winning the Player of the Month for February and the Celtics are still primed to be the best team in the East.