Who: Phoenix Suns (39-31) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (28-41)
When: 7:00 pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: NBATV, Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The Phoenix Suns look to shake off the rust from the previous road trip and get back into the win column at home. After going 2-4 on this road trip, losing the last four games, it is imperative that they can flip the script. With some of the latest contests being close, it is key that the Suns can get back into rhythm
during clutch time to pull out a much-needed win. Especially against a team they just beat on this road trip, is coming to town.
For the Bucks, they are in a bit of a weird spot. Siitin is eleventh in the Eastern Conference; it is pretty evident they will fail to make the play-in or playoffs. That being said, their star Giannis Antetokounmpo still would like to play for the remainder of this season. This discussion will be worth keeping an eye on as the game gets closer to tip-off.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
- Dillon Brooks – (Left Hand Fracture) – OUT
- Mark Williams – (Left Foot Third Metatarsal Stress Reaction) – OUT
- Amir Coffey (Left Ankle Sprain) – OUT
- Haywood Highsmith (Right Knee Injury Management) – OUT
- Royce O’Neale (Left Knee Soreness) – DOUBTFUL
- Grayson Allen (left knee inflammation) – QUESTIONABLE
Bucks
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Left Knee Hyperextension; Bone Bruise) – OUT
- Gary Harris (Left Groin Contusion) – QUESTIONABLE
- Kevin Porter Jr. (Right Knee Synovitis) – QUESTIONABLE
What to Watch For
One thing to watch for in this one is how the Suns guard Kyle Kuzma is coming into this game. Kuzma had an absurd 33 points in their previous matchup; it was just one of those nights for him. With both teams shooting above 40% from three in the game, it was evident that both teams had some success from there.
With the Bucks, though, they are not that talented and are basically tanking at this point. That being said, some players still want to perform well, and Kuzma, who has ties to Phoenix, most definitely wants to show out. Therefore, I am excited to see who Ott puts on Kuzma to limit his three-point attempts and force the wing into some big mistakes.
Players like Rasheer Fleming and Haywood Highsmith are going to make sure that a guy like Kuzma only has that type of performance once against this team. With Fleming’s increased play as of late on this road trip, he has shown tremendous growth within this rotation. Each night, there is something to look at and analyze within his game, something I expect to see in this one, too.
Key to a Suns Win
The big key to his game is going to be trying to match the Bucks’ paint points in this one. Last time these two squared off, the Bucks were going at it with Antetokounmpo, while the Suns had Jalen Green driving and getting to the cup. Utilizing the space that Green can create to attack the basket will be interesting to see against a bad defensive team in Milwaukee.
If he can find ways to get to the rack, alongside other creators, the Suns should have a better chance of pulling out a victory. One that is needed in this economy to please the fans and to limit their insanity on social media.
Prediction Time
The Suns wake up, return home, and get another victory over the Bucks.
Suns 112, Bucks 100
