Let’s see if the break did anything for the Suns.
Who: Phoenix Suns (26-28) vs. San Antonio Spurs (23-29)
When: 7:30 pm Arizona Time
Where: Moody Center — Austin, Texas
Watch: TNT, AZFamily, Suns Live
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The Suns aim to build some momentum out of the All-Star Break after a disappointing start to the season. This is game 55 of the year, so just 28 games remain. In translation, the Suns need to get it together ASAP.
Their first opponent won’t be an easy one despite recent struggles. San Antonio added star guard De’Aaron Fox, giving them a dynamic threat to pair with Victor Wembanyama.
Well, that was the plan anyway. Breaking news came out today out of San Antonio that Victor Wembanyama has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 20, 2025
A devastating blow for the Spurs who had their sights set on making a playoff run after acquiring De’Aaron Fox. They still have plenty of talent, but this is a massive setback for them nonetheless.
Our John Voita wrote about what Wembanyama’s injury means for the Suns here.
Phoenix must take advantage of his absence tonight and secure a win to get back on track.
Probable Starters
Phoenix
- Nick Richards
- Kevin Durant
- Bol Bol*
- Devin Booker
- Tyus Jones
San Antonio
- Bismack Biyombo*
- Harrison Barnes
- Devin Vassell
- De’Aaron Fox
- Chris Paul
We’ll keep an eye on what lineup both teams roll out with given the updated injury reports.
Injury Report
Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are not on the injury report, clearing the way for their return.
Suns
- Cody Martin — OUT (Sports Hernia)
- Jalen Bridges — OUT (G League – Two Way)
Spurs
- Victor Wembanyama — OUT (Illness)
- Charles Bassey — OUT (Knee)
Uniform Matchup
What to Watch For
Bigs Bigs Bigs
Phoenix’s center play has been problematic for most of the season. They may catch a break with Wemby unlikely to play. Nick Richards and Mason Plumlee are the Suns’ guys, but I’m curious to see how much run Bol Bol gets after his recent success.
The Spurs will turn to Sandro Mamukelashvili, Bismack Biyombo, and Jeremy Sochan to help shoulder the load down low with Victor Wembanyama doubtful to play. Given the alternatives to Wemby with Zach Collins gone, it feels crazy to say, but the Suns… might have the edge here. We shall see.
We need a big Nick Richards game. It’s overdue.
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Show Me the Carfax
The Suns and Spurs have only met once this season. It was on December 3rd at the Footprint Center in a game the Suns won by 11 points. They held Wemby to a remarkable 15 points on 6-18 shooting that night. Oso Ighodaro was their starting center in that one.
Devin Vassell torched them for 25 off the bench, but Booker’s 29-9-5 on 10-21 shooting was too much for San Antonio to handle. They are different teams now, and the Spurs will be down a star so there’s not much to take from that game.
Phoenix has had trouble slowing the newly acquired De’Aaron Fox down in the past. Staying in front of him will be a challenge with their personnel defensively.
Big Three?
Phoenix’s “big three” if you still want to call it that, is healthy. They have mostly been a solid team when they have all three suiting up. Are they perfect together? No. But they have shown they have the ability to win games more consistently when they have their guys. Shocker.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The bottom line here is that the Suns may have the star power advantage with Wemby out, but San Antonio has great young talent and De’Aaron Fox leading the way. Oh, and that Chris Paul fella.
The Spurs have plenty of young talent around Fox with Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan among others. This is by no means going to be a walk in the park.
Key to a Suns Win
Honestly, it’s exhausting writing this one in because it’s always the same damn thing that kills the Suns. Cut out the turnovers. Play hard and compete for 48 minutes. Do those things along with sharing the ball and good things will happen.
There’s too much talent on this team for repeated mistakes. Figure it out!
They lost, post the rest. https://t.co/BklFzyxRZI
— Jeremy Sochan (@JeremySochan) November 3, 2023
Prediction
Phoenix will lose, Wemby or not. Prove me wrong.
Suns 116, Spurs 121
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