The Phoenix Suns enter Minnesota shorthanded on a 2-game losing streak. Can they snap out of it?
Who: Phoenix Suns (9-4) @ Minnesota Timberwolves (7-6)
When: 1:30 pm Arizona Time
Where: Target Center — Minneapolis, Minnesota
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports
Listen: KMVP 98.7
Let’s zoom out a bit. The Suns have lost three of their last four games, yet hold a 9-4 record on the season, tied for the 3rd seed in the West.
If I told you before the season started that Phoenix would start 9-4, you’d probably be pleased, especially looking at their schedule. A season in which Devin Booker has not looked like himself. A season where Jusuf Nurkic has slumped for the majority of his time (outside of the Dallas games). A season where health concerns have been an issue more often than not. All things considered… let’s take a step back and a deep breath.
These recent losses came with Kevin Durant and now Bradley Beal sidelined. Sprinkle in Grayson Allen missing some time and it’s a recipe for disaster. Phoenix can withstand an injury to one of their three stars, but if multiple are out along with one of the best shooters in the association, it’s not going to be pretty most nights. They need their guys. When they have them, they’ve shown us what they can do this season. Simple as that.
It hasn’t been a thrilling start to the season for Minnesota either, as they have scrapped their way barely above .500 with a 7-6 record. Their most recent contest was an overtime win against the Kings to snap a three-game losing streak. Two of those losses in their skid came against Portland on back-to-back nights.
Minnesota edged out the Kings in a game where De’Aaron Fox dropped 60 in Sacramento. All of the Wolves’ starters played over 37 minutes, including 41+ from Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert in the win. Edwards had 36 points, including a dagger in overtime to help secure the road win.
Starting Lineups
Injury Report
Suns
- Kevin Durant — OUT (Left Calf Strain)
- Bradley Beal — OUT (Calf Strain)
- Collin Gillespie — OUT (Right Ankle)
- Jusuf Nurkic — PROBABLE (Left Ankle)
- Grayson Allen — PROBABLE (Hamstring)
Minnesota
N/A
(I am jealous but good for them)
Uniform Matchup
The Suns are 3-1 in their Icon Edition uniform, and this will be the first time they wear it on the road this season.
What to Watch For
Okogie Watch + Who will step up?
Last game Josh Okogie posted team-highs in points (15) and rebounds (9) against the Thunder. It was his first start of the season and he made the most of it. With Grayson Allen (likely) returning, it will be interesting to monitor how they roll out their starting five.
If Phoenix wants a chance in this one, the role players have to step up — point blank. I am looking at Tyus Jones, Royce O’Neale, and Jusuf Nurkic specifically. In the meantime, Okogie Island should continue to thrive. He looks as confident as ever. I’d like to see them unleash JO, Royce, and Dunn in some lineups to match the Wolves’ defensive chaos and energy.
Book vs. Double Teams
The Wolves are going to aggressively attack Devin Booker defensively, similar to what the Thunder did on Friday night. It’s no secret. They have the personnel to make his life difficult every minute he is on the court.
“They were trapping me, If we make some shots early. I’m not in the business of trying to go score over double and triple teams.”
Devin Booker scoreless 1st half in Suns loss to OKC. 12 pts. minus-29
On getting a bucket to get team going. “I left those in my early years.” #Suns pic.twitter.com/ircTfa0vho
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 16, 2024
It’s imperative that the Suns make Minnesota pay for leaving shooters open this time. Grayson’s return helps that cause. They’ll need Tyus Jones, Grayson Allen, and Royce O’Neale to get hot and take that pressure off Booker offensively.
We live in a world where everyone wants to overreact to everything, all the time. Is Booker struggling? Yes. It is the end of the world? No. History suggests he will be just fine. These things tend to work themselves out. I’m not saying to ignore the slump, but focus on the bigger picture here. Devin Booker will hit a point this season where he makes this a distant memory. Let’s hope the rebound begins today.
The Center Rotation
Will Oso Ighodaro get early minutes? Minnesota is a much different matchup than the center-less-for-now Thunder, but Coach Budenholzer wasn’t shy about his willingness to experiment on the fly.
Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images
This is a game they will desperately need Jusuf Nurkic to show up in. Controlling the glass while putting a body on Gobert and serving as a deterrent for a Wolves team that can get downhill in a hurry is the key. He failed to do this during the sweep last season, but without KAT it’s a bit of a different-looking Wolves team.
Mason Plumlee should see time as well, especially if foul trouble hits early. Either way, this group will need to collectively step it up a notch with how shorthanded the team is. The margin for error shrinks when Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal aren’t out there.
Prediction
Suns lose, and it’s okay.
They are not whole right now and Minnesota is a tough place to win. The Wolves will need this win more in their minds and pull it off. I think the Suns look better than they did in OKC (hard not to) but fall short in the end.
Wolves 122, Suns 110