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More: NBA Western Conference Standings - Enemy of my enemy is my friend
The Phoenix Suns have just six games remaining in the 2012 regular season, and they'll return home this week for four games at US Airways Center. With the club sitting just outside of the Western Conference playoff picture, you can bet they'll come out focused and prepared each night. Anything can happen once you get in the playoffs, and Phoenix has the talent and veteran leadership to potentially make a run.
On Monday, the Suns will take on the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers have been diminished by injuries this season, but they are still a competitive team capable of stealing away a win from Phoenix. Tipoff for that game is 7 p.m. locally.
After an off-day on Tuesday, Steve Nash and Co. will take the floor once again on Wednesday evening against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Some folks have pegged the Thunder as the favorites to win a championship this summer, led by the incredibly talented trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and former Sun Devil great James Harden. This one will start at 7 p.m. as well.
Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers will make their way to US Airways Center on Thursday night in what will be a battle of two teams fighting for playoff seeding. The Clippers have slumped at times this season, but they appear to be hitting their stride at the right time. This game will be aired live by TNT and will begin at 8:30.
On Saturday night, the Suns will play what is likely their biggest game of the year up until that point. The Denver Nuggets, who currently sit in 8th place in the Western Conference, will take on the Suns at 2:30 in the afternoon. ESPN will air the game, although the Suns are really going to need their fans to sell out the arena for this one. It's tough to see Phoenix making the playoffs if they lose this one.
Get ready for a wild week of hoops, folks. This is what basketball fans live for.