Who: Phoenix Suns (14-9) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (23-1)
When: 5:30 pm Arizona Time
Where: Paycom Arena — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Watch: Amazon Prime
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The NBA is not a morale victory business,
but the last time these two teams matched up, we were treated to an incredible back-and-forth game, one of the few the Thunder have played this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was too much for the Suns down the stretch in the first matchup. He scored 37 points and got to the free-throw line 17 times. Can the Suns find a way to stop the reigning MVP this time if the game is close late?
The Thunder are a historically dominant team, and look to threaten the all-time regular season NBA record set by the Golden State Warriors in 2016, 73-9. The Suns earned the right to play in the NBA Cup and were rewarded with an extra matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Some reward, right? Talent-wise, this is a David vs Goliath matchup if the Suns are without Devin Booker. Hopefully, the Suns can land enough stones to bring down the NBA giant.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
- Devin Booker — QUESTIONABLE (Right Groin Strain)
- Jalen Green — OUT (Right Hamstring Strain)
- Isaiah Livers — OUT (Right Hip Strain)
Thunder
- Isaiah Hartenstein — OUT (Right Soleus Strain)
- Isaiah Joe — OUT (Left Knee Contusion)
- Thomas Sorber — OUT (Right ACL Surgery)
- Nikola Topic — OUT (Surgical recovery)
What to Watch For
The Suns and the Thunder are the best two teams in the NBA at forcing steals and taking care of the ball will be crucial to both teams. Devin Booker is questionable to play after suffering a groin injury 10 days ago and has struggled against the Thunder recently. In his last eight games against the Thunder, Booker is averaging 17.2 points on fewer than 13 field goal attempts per game, well below the standard he has set for himself throughout his career.
The Thunder are so talented and complete across the board that anyone can beat you on any given night. Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren are a three-headed monster on both sides of the court, and the Thunder bench is deep and dangerous. Ajay Mitchell has had a breakout season, averaging 14.4 points for the Thunder, and can put the game out of reach in a hurry if the Suns’ bench is unable to contain him.
A win against the Thunder tonight would feel like five wins, and should count as five if they are miraculously able to do it without Devin Booker. Expect to see an extremely physical, relentless, competitive effort from both teams. Dillon Brooks and Lugentz Dort are two of the most pesky players in the league and set the tone for each of their respective locker rooms.
The Suns and Thunder play very similarly, which should make this game entertaining, but unfortunately, the Thunder possess extraordinary talent that the Suns do not.
Key to a Suns Win
Without Isaiah Hartenstein, Mark Williams has to be dominant on both ends of the floor, especially on the boards. If the Suns can win the rebounding battle and create second-chance points, they can win this game. Turnovers will be another storyline to watch; the Thunder are historically good at forcing turnovers and creating easy offense off those turnovers. In their previous matchup, the Suns were outscored 29-12 in points off turnovers, a losing formula. Taking care of the ball and rebounding will make it a game, then it comes down to if the Suns can close out a game against the best clutch player in the NBA.
Prediction
Phoenix gets another morale victory but falls short on the scoreboard, and Oklahoma City guts out a win.
Thunder 105, Suns 101
