The Phoenix Suns enter the 2024-25 season with high expectations after making significant changes to their roster around Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, along with a new coaching staff.
Last season, the Suns finished 49-33 but fell short in the first round of the playoffs, a disappointing outcome for a team with such high-caliber talent. With a new head coach, Mike Budenholzer, and a bolstered backcourt with Tyus Jones and Monte Morris, Phoenix is looking to reestablish itself as a serious contender in the Western Conference.
DraftKings Sportsbook has set the Suns’ projected win total at 46.5, with the over at -125 and the under at +105. The odds reflect cautious optimism that the team’s revamped roster and coaching adjustments could lead to another successful regular season, but questions remain about depth and durability.
The Big 3’s Second Chance
Phoenix enters the second season of their “Big 3” experiment, led by Durant, Booker, and Beal. The star trio is expected to carry the bulk of the offensive load after a disappointing first year together that saw injuries and inconsistent depth derail their championship hopes.
Booker is in his prime and continues to be one of the league’s most consistent scoring guards. Durant, even at 36, remains one of the NBA’s most feared scorers, while Beal, when healthy, brings versatility to the backcourt.
This season, the Suns’ key to hitting the over on 46.5 wins will likely come from how well these three stars mesh under Budenholzer’s system and, most importantly, their health.
Beal struggled with injuries last year, and while Durant played 75 games, he logged heavy minutes throughout the season and even more over the summer during the Olympics. Maintaining the health of this trio will be critical for the Suns to compete at a high level.
Depth and Additions
One of the Suns’ biggest offseason priorities was addressing their depth. The team made several key additions, including Jones, who is expected to help solve Phoenix’s ball-handling issues from last season.
Jones, a steady playmaker, averaged 7.3 assists per game with just 1.0 turnover last season for the Washington Wizards. He should free up Booker and Beal to focus more on scoring than facilitating, something that should improve the overall offensive flow and alleviate pressure.
Alongside Jones, the Suns added Monte Morris and Mason Plumlee to round out their bench. Plumlee will give Phoenix a physical presence in the paint and an option for rebounding, while Morris brings solid backcourt depth.
Phoenix’s offseason acquisitions will need to contribute immediately if the Suns hope to avoid the lack of depth that plagued them last year.
Key Advantages and Challenges
Phoenix’s offense will undoubtedly be one of the most potent in the league. With Booker, Durant, and Beal, the Suns can score from virtually anywhere on the floor. Booker has developed into one of the best all-around offensive guards, and Durant remains a top-tier shooter, capable of creating mismatches against almost any opponent.
Beal, when healthy, complements the pair with his ability to create and score from multiple levels. However, the Suns still face challenges, particularly on the defensive end.
While they have capable defenders like Josh Okogie, the overall construction of the roster remains top-heavy, which may leave them vulnerable defensively. Budenholzer will need to find ways to shore up Phoenix’s defense, particularly in late-game situations when opponents slow the game down and force the Suns into a half-court setting.
Phoenix will rely heavily on their bench players to provide rest for their stars and maintain energy throughout the season. Budenholzer’s system will be put to the test in finding the right rotations and maximizing contributions from the supporting cast.
Betting on the Suns
With a 46.5-win projection on DraftKings Sportsbook, the Suns are expected to be competitive, but whether they can hit the over or not depends on several critical factors. If Booker, Durant, and Beal can stay healthy and Mike Budenholzer can effectively implement his system, Phoenix has the firepower to not only exceed their projected win total, but also contend for a top seed in the Western Conference.
However, the concerns about depth, defense, and durability are real. Bettors favoring the under at +105 may believe that the Suns’ reliance on their top three players, along with potential injury risks, could make it difficult for them to win 47 or more games.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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