Though there is a talent deficit, there is still good reason to tune into this next matchup, the second game of the weekly TNT doubleheader featuring the 5-9 New Orleans Pelicans visiting the surprising 7-6 Phoenix Suns at 10:30 on TNT.
Suns fans, rejoice. You finally get a shot on national primetime television to prove to the NBA world that what the self-dubbed “Valley Boyz” have going on Arizona is anything but a fluke.
But, I regret to inform you all, that you’ll have to complete this mission tonight without some of the most substantial guys that got you there. It seemed like the Suns started their season on a new leaf, as three-level scoring maestro Devin Booker continued his excellent ways by averaging 25.6 ppg. He and new Suns guard Ricky Rubio has been an above-average compliment to the guard, but tonight he’s doubtful with a bad back.
He’s not the only one on the injury report, though,
Phoenix started to prove all of their doubters and skeptics alike wrong, starting the season on a 7-4 start. As soon as the injuries started piling up, the Suns reverted to their previous ways of losing and failure. Tonight, Monty Williams will have to piece together some form of offense with a starting five composed of Tyler Johnson, Kelly Oubre, Dario Saric and Frank Kaminsky and Booker. What also doesn’t help, is that Phoenix is statistically the 24th ranked offense in the NBA, and that’s with a healthy Rubio and others.
Also on the report: Aron Baynes. He’s out due to a right hip flexor strain which is already painful enough, so the Suns will have to get some wins without the Austrailian big man that’s currently having a breakout season. Replacing 14.5 ppg. and 44 percent shooting from deep is asking a lot out of William’s big man rotation.
For New Orleans, they too have a bucket load of ailments to their best players. Zion Williamson’s recovery is almost up, which is a really good thing. Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Derrick Favors, Jahlil Okafor all being banged up, are not good things. Their starting five will more than likely consist of Jrue Holiday, JJ Redick, Brandon Ingram, Kenrich Williams and impressive rookie Jaxson Hayes.
The guard tandem of JJ Redick and Jrue Holiday are meshing well, as expected. The two have both dropped 21 ppg. over their last four games, and have greatly given the 11th ranked offense in the NBA a lot of life despite their injuries.
Tonight’s matchup features two exceptional scoring guards that are proficient on both ends of the court, since Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday usually put on some marquee performances when given their touches. Brandon Ingram may feast on mismatches on the wing, and Jaxson Hayes could startle some fans that may be unfamiliar with the rookie center and former Big 12 Freshman of the year.
This is gonna be a fun game to watch, so tune in to TNT at 10:30 p.m. ET/9:30 p.m. CT after the Bucks – Blazers game concludes.
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