Who: Memphis Grizzlies (2-2) @ Phoenix Suns (1-3)
When: 7:00pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Watch: Suns+, Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports
Listen: KMVP 98.7, KSUN
The start of the Phoenix Suns’ season hasn’t been as bad or as good as many expected. Missing Dillon Brooks against the Jazz and opening the year without Jalen Green has left plenty of what-ifs. What if Green were available and Devin Booker wasn’t doubled every trip down the floor? What if Brooks didn’t
have the green light on nearly a quarter of the Suns’ possessions?
Tonight, Green could finally make his Suns debut. His return might answer some questions and spark a few new ones.
Phoenix gets the benefit of facing a banged-up Memphis Grizzlies team, because honestly, when are they not? Their starting five is mostly intact, but once you look past that, things get rough. No Brandon Clark, no Zach Edey, no Santi Aldama, and no Ty Jerome. If the Suns are looking for a shot at their second win of the season, this is it. They’re facing a team that’s hurting, thin on depth, and struggles to rebound.
Probable Starters
This is less of what may actually happen but more of what I hope will happen. Even if Jalen Green is good to go, ease him in my having him come off the bench.
Injury Report
Suns
- Jalen Green — QUESTIONABLE (Hamstring)
- Dillon Brooks — OUT (Right Groin Soreness)
Grizzlies
- Vince Williams Jr — QUESTIONABLE (Right Ankle Impingement)
- Santi Aldama — QUESTIONABLE (Shoulder)
- Ty Jerome — OUT (Calf)
- Scotty Pippen Jr. — OUT (Left Big Toe Injury)
- Brandon Clarke — OUT (Knee)
- Zach Edey — OUT (Left Ankle)
What to Watch For
Mark Williams might be onto something after his strong outing against the Utah Jazz on Monday night. He scored 13 points and grabbed three offensive rebounds in the second half, helping turn the game into a tight contest. Afterward, he seemed eager for the next one, and in his eyes, he’s already proven he deserves to start.
Head coach Jordan Ott was correct in finishing the game with Collin Gillespie and Mark Williams in the lineup. Williams worked himself into a comfort zone on the court, leading to a successful second half for the Suns.
Keys to Suns Win
Relying on Devin Booker to focus on the shooting guard position and leaving the ball handling to Collin Gillespie — or to Jalen Green if he returns — might be the best approach for both the short and long term.
Through four games, Booker’s unassisted field goal percentage sits at just 47.2%, ranking 25th among guards who play at least 30 minutes per game. When it comes to assisted three-point shots, he’s shooting 77.8%, right alongside Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
Booker can cut down on turnovers if his usage rate stays high, but does that truly translate to more team success? The best scenario for Booker and the Suns is a return to his natural role since the Chris Paul era in Phoenix: shooting guard.
Prediction
Looking for a Suns victory, I think we found one tonight. If Jalen Green returns and comes off the bench, the Suns should have a more even flow offense led by a scrappy defense.
Suns 111, Grizzlies 101
