Game Preview: Phoenix Suns look to upset NBA’s best in MLK Day matinee

Suns face the powerful Cleveland Cavaliers.

Who: Phoenix Suns (21-20) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (35-6)

When: 1:30pm Arizona Time

Where: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, Ohio

Watch: AZFamily, Suns Live

Listen: KMVP 98.7

---

The Phoenix Suns, winners of their last two games, travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavs in an MLK day matinée. The Cavs have the best record in the NBA at 35-6, are 8-2 in their last 10 games, and 20-2 at home. The Suns are in the midst of a five-game road trip beating the pesky Detroit Pistons 125-121 on Saturday.

The victory on Saturday marked the debut of newly acquired center Nick Richards. His impact was immediate. He had 21 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes played and was also a team-best +22.

The Suns play has been inconsistent throughout this season, will need to GREATLY elevate their game if they wish to have a chance to beat Cleveland at home. The Cavs are second in the league in points per game at 122.1 and 13^th in defense at 112.1. Compare this to the Suns who are 14^th in scoring at 113.2 and 20^th in defense at 114.3. Cleveland scoring leaders are starting guards Donovan Mitchell at 23.1 ppg and Darius Garland at 21.2 ppg.

Probable Starters

Injury Report

Suns

Bradley Beal — QUESTIONABLE (Ankle)

Jusuf Nurkić — OUT (Illness)

Cavs

Isaac Okoro — QUESTIONABLE (shoulder)

Evan Mobley — QUESTIONABLE (ankle)

Uniform Matchup

What to Watch For

Nick Richards continued integration with the team.

He did not start his first game but played more minutes than any other center on the team. He will need to have a great game against Cleveland’s front line that includes Jarrett Allen and Even Mobley if we hope to pull off an upset.

Will Devin Booker’s heater continue?

Booker has scored over 30 points in his last five games. Will this game be his sixth? He will need to outplay “Spida” Mitchell in order for the Suns to have a chance.

Ryan Dunn’s continued growth.

Ryan has far exceeded expectations in his first year and continues to strive as a starter. He will need to shine both defensively AND offensively for the Suns team to beat the mighty Cavs.

Three-point shooting

Before the victory against the Pistons, the Suns were 0-5 when attempting fewer than 30 three-point attempts. We need to jack up threes against the Cavs.

Ty Jerome, remember him?!

Former Suns great, — okay, okay, I know —Ty Jerome is having a wonderful season. He is averaging 10.3 points and shooting over 50% from the field, 40 percent from thre,e and 89% from the line.

Key to a Suns Win

Let’s be honest, this has the markings of a tough game for the Suns. Playing on the road, in the middle of a road trip, and attempting to incorporate a new starting center. For a win, DBook and KD would need to score a bunch, we would need to shoot more threes, play good defense, and play a full 48 minutes. Not that much to ask, right?

Prediction

Call me crazy, but I think we have a chance! I don’t know why I think that given the inconsistency we have seen all season, but I think we can win this game. KD and DBook would have to combine for 70+ points and all the stars would need to be in alignment but I think we stun the world!

Suns 124, Cavs 120