Game Preview: Suns host Wolves, look for second straight victory

Can the Phoenix Suns win two games in a row?

Who: Phoenix Suns (28-32) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (32-29)

When: 7:30 pm Arizona Time

Where: PHX Arena — Phoenix, Arizona

Watch: ESPN, AZFamily, Suns Live

Listen: KMVP 98.7

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The Suns will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in a national TV showdown on ESPN tonight in Phoenix. After defeating a shell of the depleted Pelicans, the Suns will search for more confidence against a much better team.

The Wolves are struggling of late, dropping four of their past five games after losing to the Jazz on the 28th. Most of their struggles have been the perfect storm of a tough schedule, injuries, and a suspension to Anthony Edwards.

Minnesota will get a boost, with Julius Randle set to return after a 13-game absence because of course he is.

Probable Starters

Phoenix

• Nick Richards
• Kevin Durant
• Bol Bol
• Devin Booker
• Tyus Jones

Minnesota

• Naz Reid
• Julius Randle
• Jaden McDaniels
• Anthony Edwards
• Mike Conley

Injury Report

Suns

• Cody Martin — OUT (Sports Hernia)
• Grayson Allen — PROBABLE (left foot soreness)
• Bradley Beal — QUESTIONABLE (left calf tightness)
• Monte Morris — QUESTIONABLE (low back spasms)

Wolves

• Rudy Gobert — OUT (low back maintenance)
• Anthony Edwards — QUESTIONABLE (right calf soreness)
• Julius Randle — PROBABLE (right groin strain)

Uniform Matchup

What to Watch For

Angry Ant?

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards was suspended for their last game against the Jazz for his 16th technical foul of the season.

The league also fined him $35,000 for failing to leave the court in a timely manner and throwing the ball into the stands.

Edwards is expected to play tonight, along with Julius Randle, despite each of them being listed as questionable. Ant had been playing through a minor calf injury the past several games, so the suspension came at an ideal time for him to rest.

Ant tore Phoenix up in the first round of the playoffs last season, so we all know what he’s capable of. The Suns will have their hands full trying to slow him down.

Bol’s Time

The emergence of Bol Bol cannot be ignored any longer. He must be a staple in the Suns’ rotation every game going forward.

All aboard the Bol Bol train.

Our John Voita fired up a piece on Bol today that is worth reading. Here’s a snippet:

“But since February 7? He’s played in all 10 games, started five of them, and is logging a healthy 23.8 minutes per night. The result? 14.5 points per game on 56/40/83 shooting splits. That’s not just a fun stat line. That’s the definition of an ideal role player. A guy who can give you scoring efficiency, length, and energy in meaningful minutes. Some players need opportunity. Bol finally got his. And he’s making it impossible to ignore.

As a starter this season? The sample size is small — just 5 games — but the numbers are eye popping. 19.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.4 blocks.”

He has been a revelation.

Role Players

We all know that Jaden McDaniels and NAW play out of their minds against the Suns. McDaniels has been on an absolute tear of late, scoring 20+ points in four of his last six games, including a 20-10-5-2 game against the Jazz the other night.

Alexander-Walker poured in 23 points against the Suns in their last meeting in January.

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Minnesota’s role players have always seemed to rise to the occasion vs. the Suns. Tonight, the Suns’ role players will need to give them a taste of their own medicine.

Grayson Allen, are you listening?

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Key to a Suns Win

Take care of the basketball. Rebound the basketball. Hustle.

This is the same trio of points I made in the last preview before the Raptors game, which they lost for not doing these things. I’ll add not letting the refs get in their heads.

Minnesota plays physical. They’re in your face, they get under your skin. The Suns have not done well against teams that do that to them. How will they respond tonight?

Prediction

Phoenix will lose. Prove me wrong!

Suns 110, Wolves 119

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