Who: Phoenix Suns (29-19) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (29-20)
When: 7:00 pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center – Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The Suns look to keep the win streak going at home and secure back-to-back wins for the fans against another formidable Eastern Conference opponent. This time, it is Jordan Ott’s former club, the Cavaliers, coming to town, and they got the best of them earlier this year, 129-113.
In this game, the Suns
struggled against the physicality and interior presence of the double big lineup their opponents were using. I’d expect to see some version of that used for the Suns in this match-up. Knowing how innovative Ott has been with his coaching and schematics this season, some changes will come for him to seek his redemption.
The Cavaliers themselves are on a five-game win streak and clicking at the right time. This will not be an easy game for the Suns, especially as Devin Booker remains out for this contest. Hopefully, with Jalen Green getting some rest on the front end of the back-to-back, we can see him back in action to take some off the offensive workload.
Starting Lineups
Injury Report
Suns
- Devin Booker — OUT (Ankle)
- Jalen Green — QUESTIONABLE (Hamstring)
Cavaliers
What to Watch For
One thing to watch is how the Suns will stop Donovan Mitchell. Even if he is not an All-Star starter, he is having a fantastic year for the Cavs and is a significant reason they are not falling completely this season. Having key defenders like Jordan Goodwin and Dillon Brooks to throw on him late in the game will be crucial.
If the Suns can limit his ability to carry this offensive workload, they should have an easier time. Even if Evan Mobley is out, the Suns do need to win the paint battle and control the rebound game.
For the Cavs, it’s about seeing how well Jaylon Tyson performs in this matchup. He has been an underrated sophomore player who has found a significant role in this system. If he were to find his rhythm, it could cause some problems for this sun’s team, so trying to make sure he does not have a wonder story would be great.
Keys to a Suns Victory
One thing is for sure: They need to keep this streak of making threes from last night into tonight. After having some struggles early on this week, this is something that needs to shine through to match the Cavs’ scoring. Adding Collin Gillespie back made it easier for Grayson Allen to get going. With the possibility of adding Green and Jamaree Bouyea into this mix, the shot creation has to be efficient. Dillon Brooks cannot go off for 40 points every night (well, maybe he could lol).
Another key will be out-rebounding this Cavs team and making sure they can keep pressure on the glass. With no Mobley, a fun match between Allen and Williams could take place, and I’d very much enjoy that. We all know that if Williams gets his touches, he can get it going for this squad, and we saw that already this week vs. the Nets. Another screening of a Mark Williams special feature would definitely cap off a great week without Devin Booker.
Let’s hope for no egregious foul calls tonight!
Prediction Time
With no restrictions on Mark Williams in these back-to-backs anymore, the Suns continue to fuel the fire and get a big win for their coach against his former team.
Suns 108, Cavaliers 102
