Game Preview: Suns open preseason against Lakers in Palm Desert

Everyone remain calm. Phoenix Suns basketball is BACK!

What: Phoenix Suns (0-0) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (0-1)

When: 6:30 pm AZ Time

Where: Palm Desert — Acrisure Arena

Watch: Suns Live, AZ Family 3TV, AZ Family Sports

Listen: KMVP 98.7 FM

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Oh, boy… you know things are getting real when game previews are here. Phoenix Suns basketball is officially back! They are set to open the preseason against the Los Angeles Lakers in Palm Springs, California.

The squad looks locked in at camp and we’ve seen all the footage and quotes filled with optimism. Now, it’s time to hit the hardwood and put it all into action.

Each team has a new head coach but kept their stars intact. The Lakers didn’t have the busiest offseason (outside of the draft), while the Suns sculpted their bench and addressed the point guard issue.

The Lakers expect both LeBron James and Anthony Davis to play after not playing in their preseason opener against Minnesota on Friday.

The Lakers lost 124-107 in their opener on Friday night in Palm Springs. They will play in the same building tonight against the Suns. Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht led the Lakers with 16 points apiece. Bronny James scored 2 points in 16 minutes during his NBA debut.

With Jusuf Nurkic out, the Suns’ center rotation will rely heavily on Mason Plumlee, Oso Ighodaro, and Frank Kaminsky to fill in.

Projected Lineups

Injury Report

The first significant injury from Suns camp hit yesterday, as Jusuf Nurkic will be re-evaluated in one week due to a finger injury. We will keep you updated on any last-minute additions/subtractions to this list.

Phoenix

• Jusuf Nurkic — OUT (finger)

Los Angeles

• Jarred Vanderbilt — OUT (foot)
• Jordan Goodwin — QUESTIONABLE (hamstring)
• Cam Reddish — QUESTIONABLE (undisclosed)
• Christian Koloko — OUT (illness)

What to Watch For

First Glimpse

How well does the team click? It’s a clean slate for this squad with a new head coach, so “what to watch” could simply be stated as… everything.

The same could be said for the Lakers with new head coach JJ Redick leading the way, though they already played their first preseason game on Friday night against Minnesota.

The Suns new starting five will not get to play with each other just yet with Nurkic sidelined, but the “big four” of Jones, Beal, Booker and Durant will get a chance to run with each other.

Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images

Three Point Attempts and Pace

It’s been the topic we’ve heard about all offseason from the Suns staff, media and fans alike. Let’s hope this first game serves as a preview that matches the all the talk about the fast pace and threes being launched at a (much) higher rate than a season ago.

Phoenix has two mid-range aficionados in Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, so expect them to continue to do what they do best. That said, we need to see those two join the party in letting it fly more often.

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Tyus Jones leading the way at the point is something I’m looking forward to. You can anticipate the starters getting limited minutes in the opener, as these early preseason games typically serve as a tuneup. Which segways to my next point of the players who will likely get an opportunity to prove themselves. The young guys.

Young Guy Watch

The rookies are going to get minutes this preseason. Ryan Dunn, Jalen Bridges and Oso Ighodaro all got run in the Summer League, but now it’s in a setting that has a bit more meaning.

TyTy Washington, Collin Gillespie, Mamadi Diakite, and Moses Wood are all likely going to get their opportunity as well. The Suns haven’t had a group like this on a preseason roster in a long, long time. It’s a nice change of pace to take some fliers on the back-end of the roster and utilize the two-way spots along with the G League to develop talent.

The Lakers have some young talent as well, including their lottery pick Dalton Knecht who put up 16 points in his preseason debut. Bronny James will of course continue to come with buzz being who he is whenever he checks into the game, especially in California.

Keys to a Suns Win

How long do the starters play? Which bench mob plays better?

As long as the Suns’ second unit shows up, I think they have the better depth. It comes down to whoever cares more to be frank. The Lakers have the advantage of a game under their belts already.

Prediction

It’s preseason, who knows. But really, I’ll give the Suns the edge here.

Phoenix wins 118-113