Who: Phoenix Suns (31–21) vs. Philadelphia (29-22)
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 Phoenix Suns return home on Saturday night, looking to steady themselves after one of the most frustrating losses of the season. Waiting for them are the Philadelphia 76ers, making their lone trip to the Valley this season as they are in the midst of a five-game West Coast swing. Tonight is game four.
This is a familiar opponent. Phoenix handled business in Philadelphia two weeks ago, 116-110. Since then, the 76ers have found rhythm and confidence, winning five of their last six games. Their most recent outing was a loss to the Lakers, a game they controlled for long stretches before it slipped away late. A little help there would have been appreciated, Philly.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
- Devin Booker — QUESTIONABLE (Right Ankle Sprain)
- Jalen Green — QUESTIONABLE (Right Hamstring Management/Left Hip Contusion)
- Grayson Allen — OUT (Right Knee Sprain)
- Isaiah Livers — OUT (Left Shoulder Sprain)
76ers
- Joel Embiid — QUESTIONABLE (Right Knee Injury Management)
- Paul George — OUT (League Suspension)
- Kelly Oubre, Jr. — AVAILABLE (Left Knee)
What to Watch For
Tyrese Maxey sets the tone. He is fast, fearless, and relentless in space. VJ Edgecombe complements him well as another young guard who thrives in chaos and pressure. Together, they apply constant stress on defenses, especially when rotations are slow or communication breaks down.
That pressure matters because of where Phoenix currently stands health-wise. Devin Booker is listed as questionable, along with Jalen Green. For Booker, this is the first time he has received that designation since injuring his ankle against Atlanta on January 23. He has missed seven straight games, with the Suns going 4–3 in that stretch.
Green last played a full game against Philadelphia. His availability carries weight here, especially given the matchup. Why? Because Grayson Allen is out after tweaking his right knee against Golden State. That absence thins the guard rotation in a hurry. If Booker and Green remain sidelined, the Suns are looking at Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin taking on major responsibility, with limited margin behind them.
Keys to a Suns Win
Ball security has to be sharp. Maxey lives off live-ball turnovers and broken possessions. He leads the NBA with 5.6 points per game off turnovers. Phoenix cannot feed that fire.
Shot quality matters. The Suns have to generate clean looks early in the clock, especially if legs are heavy in the backcourt. Interior balance helps everything. When Phoenix gets steady production inside, whether through rolls, seals, or second-chance points, it stabilizes the offense and slows the tempo of the game.
Execution late has to improve. The Warriors’ loss unraveled in the final minutes because structure disappeared. Whoever is on the floor needs clarity and trust in the reads.
Prediction
This one hinges on the injury report.
If Devin Booker plays, I like Phoenix’s chances. His presence brings order. It brings pacing. It brings a calming force that has been missing at the back end of games. If Jalen Green plays, I like the Suns’ chances. His explosiveness mirrors what Maxey brings, and we saw him hold his own against this same group before he went down.
If both are out, the climb gets steep. Not impossible. This team has made a habit of overshooting expectations. Still, the margin narrows fast when the backcourt is stretched thin.
Suns 112, 76ers 108
