Phoenix Suns - OEff: 107.39 DEff: 106.78 ExpWPerc: 0.520

It's been quite a roller coaster of a season the Phoenix Suns. They struggled to start the season (as per the expectations on them) and it was looking like 2014/15 could have been a forgettable year for the Arizona locals. The trade for Monta Ellis was genius imo, just what GM Pennywise had been chasing since he joined the NLL, a scoring guard. Moving on Rondo for Kemba Walker, CJ Miles and Kosta Koufas was another fine piece of work as well, all leading to the Suns climbing to fifth in the West and starting to live upto those pre-season expectations. The Sun's have clinched, so what does this game mean for them? A chance to play party pooper of course. A chance to send a warning to the rest of the West and the NLL that they will take no prisoners and do no favors. A big win could see them destroy the Nuggets playoff hopes and also show that they will play a big part in this seasons playoffs.

Denver Nuggets - OEff: 104.45 DEff: 105.71 ExpWPerc: 0.458

Can the Nuggets do it!?! GM Rootsey's first season in charge either way I think will be looked upon as a success. It's not easy to fill a veteran GM's shoes like Nick's but Rootsey embraced the challenge and is upto the task. A collection of solid wheeling and deadling and of course the MVP like play of John Wall have seen them sit right on the brink of a playoff spot. Things started off bad for them when the Grizz beat one of the East contending Pacers but have dropped 2 since. Denver simply needs to win games. John Wall can only do so much, someone else will have to step up if they're shot, Paul, Anthony and Derrick i'm looking at you. I think Denver have a real shot at the eighth spot, especially with the Grizz dropping two. Winning this matchup will go a long way in seeing that happen.

Head to Head Matchups:

POINT GUARD 

Kemba Walker Vs John Wall

What a matchup to kick things off with. If Denver had another 15-20 wins... You could probably give Wall the MVP trophy, He has been that good. You take Wall out of that Denver lineup... It doesn't look so good. Kemba has been and is great in his own right but doesn't quite mean as much to the Suns as Wall does for Denver. I'm going to give Denver the advantage in this one but there isn't a whole lot in it.

SHOOTING GUARD

Monta Ellis Vs Anthony Morrow 

The man who turned the Suns season around has also been an MVP candidate in his own right. He leads the league in scoring and is near the top in made/attempts for field goals and free throws. Morrow does his job, His defence is poor but if he's given space he will punish you. Monta get the big advantage in this one for me though, I think he will be simply too much for Morrow to handle.

SMALL FORWARD

Chandler Parsons Vs Paul Pierce

Two savvy scorers battle it out at the SF spot. Both lack great athleticism (Especially Pierce considering his age) but both score in a myriad of ways. Pierce owns probably the best fakes you can see on a court and Chandler owns one of the flattest jumpshots you will probably see on a court... But both are effective and also fill the stat sheet in other areas aswell. I can't really pick a winner in this one and I'm going to sit on the fence and call this one even.

POWER FORWARD

Josh Smith Vs Mitch McGary

Smith has put together a very good season(and efficient) for the Sun's and was relieved to get some scoring help from Ellis upon his arrival. He's still a good defender and makes good plays in the open court, the coaching staff even seem to have sorted out his shot selection problems and now his playing some good efficient ball. McGary has had a decent rookie campaign, his numbers don't knock you off your seat but don't think for a second he hasn't played a part in the Nuggets playoff push. Will get some good experience out of a matchup like this and if they sneak into the playoffs, would do his development wonders. The advantage has to goto Smith in this one though.

CENTRE

Omer Asik Vs Derrick Favors

Asik, the man who replaced the depressed and upset Larry Sanders has done a good job for the Suns. He ranks in the top 5 in rebounds and is up around the 13 a game mark for the Suns which would have him right up with the leaders in the top 3.  Derrick will be giving no Favors though (Sorry, had to). He hasn't become quite the scorer some thought he could be but the potential is still there. His rebounding and defence have been great though and is probably the Nuggets most important player not named John Wall. I give the advantage to the Nuggets on this one, Favors athleticism will cause Asik problems.

PREDICTION:

Both teams have solid options from the pine and some great players in their starting lineups. The Suns come in with pretty much their best set of guys available but unfortunately the Nuggets are missing Alex Len and Gary Neal, two guys who could have made a bit of a difference. I think both teams will slug it out for 3 quarters before the Suns pull away in the fourth and pull out a 5 point win. 101-96 Suns. Monta Ellis will take POTG honors ringing in 30+ with about 5 dimes and 3 steals.
Could it be the end of the Nuggets for 2015?

• Rhythm - Make Monta Ellis take tough shots. If you give him easy ones and let him find his rhythm he will torch you. It's a big ask for Anthony Morrow but if the Nuggets stand a chance at winning this one, you have to keep Ellis from getting into the groove and scoring with ease. He could still hit 30 points, but if it's on 30 shot's i'd say you've done your job.