There are NINE games left for the Suns in what has been a magical 75th NBA season. Currently, they sit at 59-14, the only team with a chance to get 60 regular season wins and the franchise record well within reach. With it almost being time for the 2022 NBA Playoffs, I decided it was time to start preparing for the Suns' journey to avenge their 2021 Finals loss. This week's episode is the first part of the series of Suns Mode playoff previews. In this edition, I focused mainly on who the Suns will look to face in the first round of the playoffs, and that will be one of four of the play-in teams (7-10 seeds) in the Western Conference. This week, listen for my thoughts on the Pelicans, Lakers, Clippers and Timberwolves.

• Evaluating each team based on current record, roster acquisitions and year-over-year improvement
• Identifying preseason expectations for each team and determining whether or not they fulfilled those expectations. 
• Key stats relative to rest of league.

On top of our preview of the Minnesota Timberwolves, I also provide a game recap for the Suns' most recent game against the Wolves on Wednesday night. Deandre Ayton and the Suns will look to continue their win streak against some very legitimate playoff contenders, including the two best big men in the league. Thursday @ Nuggets

• 2nd half of back-to-back after Deandre Ayton has a career night against KAT.  Will DA have another big game against big competition?
• Nuggets currently 6th seed with chance to slip into play-in picture and become potential 1st round playoff opponent for the Suns.
• Deandrola Jokic?

Saturday vs 76ers

• First look at 76ers since trading for James Harden
• How will Deandre Ayton have performed during the stretch of 3 games against some of the best big man competition in the league?

Wednesday vs Warriors

• Revenge for Christmas Day and previous matchup
• First look at Warriors since return of Klay Thompson
• Possible Suns returning from injury?

And that will do it for this week. As you can tell, tons of playoff basketball to talk about. Not only am I talking about potential first round opponents for the Suns, I also have the privilege to talk about our 3 upcoming opponents; who will also have tons of playoff basketball ahead of them. Next week, I will continue to chronicle the Suns season and will provide the next edition of our Suns Mode NBA Postseason preview; where I will talk about the better half of the Western Conference playoff picture. But remember, it all starts by beating one of these four play-in teams. We can NOT get too far ahead of ourselves! So keep enjoying Suns basketball and the Suns Mode podcast on a week by week basis. Hope you enjoy :)Remember to spread love and #ValleyExcellenceLETS GO SUNS LETS GO SUNS LETS GO SUNS LETS GO SUNS@ValleySunna