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5 Must-Win Games Remaining On Phoenix Suns’ 2015 NBA Schedule

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5 Must-Win Games Remaining On Phoenix Suns' 2015 NBA Schedule

Phoenix Suns
Christian Peterson - Getty Images

The Phoenix Suns are in 10th place in the Western Conference but only two and half games back from the No. 8 seed Oklahoma City Thunder. It is going to be tough for them to pass not only the Thunder, but the New Orleans Pelicans, down the stretch, and in order to do so, they will need to win these five games.

5. New Orleans Pelicans - Mar. 19

Dallas Mavericks v New Orleans Pelicans
Layne Mudoch Jr - Getty Images

5. New Orleans Pelicans - Mar. 19

Dallas Mavericks v New Orleans Pelicans
Layne Mudoch Jr - Getty Images

The Suns and Pelicans face off two more times this season, the first of the two being on Mar. 19. New Orleans won the first matchup narrowly by four points. The Pelicans are one and a half games ahead of the Suns, so Phoenix will need to beat teams like this to move forward.

4. Los Angeles Clippers - Apr. 14

DeAndre Jordan, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin
Andrew D. Bernstein - Getty Images

4. Los Angeles Clippers - Apr. 14

DeAndre Jordan, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin
Andrew D. Bernstein - Getty Images

This is the last game of the season for the Suns, and the Clippers will likely be a playoff team. It will be another important game down the stretch, because Phoenix will likely need to win if they are in the race and the Clippers will likely be fighting for position. Unless Phoenix is mathematically out at the time, this game could be the one that decides their playoff hopes.

3. San Antonio Spurs - Apr. 12

Getty Images
Getty Images

3. San Antonio Spurs - Apr. 12

Getty Images
Getty Images

This is the second to last game of the season for the Suns and another matchup against a perennial playoff team. Phoenix has an extremely tough road down the stretch and visiting San Antonio is no exception. The Suns will have to win many games, including this one, if they want a playoff berth.

2. New Orleans Pelicans - Apr. 10

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER18: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reaches for a rebound during their game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Toyota Center on December18, 2014 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** James Harden
Getty Images

2. New Orleans Pelicans - Apr. 10

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER18: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reaches for a rebound during their game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Toyota Center on December18, 2014 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** James Harden
Getty Images

The last matchup between the Suns and Pelicans will take place late in the season. If both teams are still fighting for that possible last playoff spot, then this game could be the decider. That would be a fun end to the season.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder - Mar. 29

Oklahoma City Thunder NBA
Chris Humphreys - USA TODAY Sports

1. Oklahoma City Thunder - Mar. 29

Oklahoma City Thunder NBA
Chris Humphreys - USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix lost two of the first three meetings with the Thunder, two of which went to overtime. It's definitely one of the more exciting matchups, and the fourth most likely won't disappoint. The Thunder are the No. 8 seed currently, so Phoenix beating them could go a long way down the stretch.

Brian Brennan is a writer for RantSports.
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