The Phoenix Suns start the new NBA race to the playoffs against the Washington Wizards. The Suns were in 13th place in the Western Conference when the season ended. The had a record of 26-39 and find themselves six games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for eighth place. The problem for them is that there are four teams ahead of them for the ninth spot. The Suns' offense has been led Devin Booker with 26.1 points a game. Deandre Ayton adds 19.0 points and 12.0 rebounds to the offensive output.

The Washington Wizards come into the bubble with a record of 24-40 and find themselves behind the eighth-place Orlando Magic by 5 ½ games. behind the eighth-place Orlando Magic. Bradley Beal led the team's offense with 30.5 points and 6.1 assists a game. He will be sitting out the restart of the season as well as their second-best player Davis Bertans.

These two teams are a long shot to make the playoffs. The Suns are young and should have the energy to at least make a run and make things interesting. They don't have any games to lose so should be at there best at least for this game. Washington is without their two best offensive weapons and I am not sure who they can turn to, to pick up the scoring load. Phoenix wins this one and covers the spread.

Play on Phoenix.