Suns, Sixers Aim to Bounce Back After Close Losses

Both teams look to regain offensive rhythm after failing to hold late leads in their previous games.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 3:15am

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The Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers are looking to bounce back after close losses in their previous games. The Suns squandered a 14-point fourth-quarter lead against the Golden State Warriors, while the 76ers nearly overcame a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit against the Los Angeles Lakers before falling short. Both teams are dealing with key injuries, and are aiming to find their offensive rhythm and finish games stronger as they push for playoff positioning.

Why it matters

These close losses are concerning for both teams as they try to solidify their playoff positioning. The Suns are in seventh place in the Western Conference, just one game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the final guaranteed playoff spot. The 76ers, meanwhile, are looking to maintain their position as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. How they respond to these tough losses could have a significant impact on their postseason hopes.

The details

In their loss to the Warriors, the Suns scored only 15 points in the fourth quarter and were outscored 25-7 after taking a 14-point lead. Dillon Brooks, the team's go-to scorer, missed his final six field-goal attempts. The 76ers, on the other hand, led the Lakers by as many as 14 points before a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit proved too much to overcome. Both teams are dealing with key injuries, as the Suns were without Devin Booker and Jalen Green, while the 76ers' Grayson Allen left the game with a right knee injury.

  • The Suns and 76ers will face off on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • The Suns have lost their last two home games, to the Clippers and Warriors.
  • The 76ers' loss to the Lakers snapped their five-game winning streak.
  • Booker has missed the last seven games for the Suns, while Green has been sidelined for six of the last seven.
  • The 76ers made a minor trade at Thursday's deadline, sending Eric Gordon to Memphis.

The players

Jordan Ott

The head coach of the Phoenix Suns.

Nick Nurse

The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Dillon Brooks

A key scorer for the Phoenix Suns.

Devin Booker

An injured player for the Phoenix Suns.

Jalen Green

An injured player for the Phoenix Suns.

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What they’re saying

“We have to find a way to score more than 15 in the fourth.”

— Jordan Ott, Head Coach, Phoenix Suns

“For 30 minutes of the game, we were really generating good offense. Then it got a little bit tough and sticky and physical, and we couldn't really generate great shots.”

— Nick Nurse, Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers

What’s next

The Suns and 76ers will face off on Saturday, February 8, 2026, as both teams look to bounce back from their close losses and regain their offensive rhythm.

The takeaway

These close losses highlight the importance of finishing games strong for both the Suns and 76ers as they push for playoff positioning. Overcoming injuries and finding ways to score in the fourth quarter will be crucial for these teams as they aim to avoid the play-in round and secure a guaranteed spot in the postseason.