Suns Seek Redemption Against Struggling Kings as Grayson Allen Eyes Return
The Phoenix Suns are gearing up to bounce back from a disappointing 129-113 defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers when they host the Sacramento Kings tonight. That loss halted a promising four-game winning streak for the Suns, who now aim to reclaim their momentum on home soil.
Grayson Allen’s Potential Return
After missing the last seven games due to a right knee injury, Grayson Allen has been upgraded to questionable for tonight’s matchup. His return could provide a much-needed boost for the Suns, who currently hold a 19-14 record. The team is back at Footprint Center after a challenging four-game road trip, looking to capitalize on a Kings squad that has struggled mightily, losing three consecutive games and nine of their last eleven.
Kings Struggling Without Key Players
Sacramento enters this game with a dismal 8-26 record, compounded by the absence of key players Zach LaVine (left ankle sprain) and Domantas Sabonis (left knee partial meniscus tear). The Kings are also facing the fatigue of playing the second leg of a back-to-back, having fallen to the Boston Celtics 120-106 just last night. The Suns have already defeated the Kings twice this season, including a solid 112-100 victory on November 26, where Mark Williams shone with 21 points and 16 rebounds.
Suns’ Strategy for Success
As the Suns prepare for this evening’s contest, their strategy will heavily revolve around maintaining their identity and style of play. This season, they have not faltered against teams they were expected to beat, and that focus will be critical against a Kings team that has struggled on both ends of the floor. Sacramento ranks among the bottom three teams in the NBA for offensive rating (108.8), defensive rating (119.7), and net rating (-11).
In recent games, the Suns have emphasized offensive rebounding, leading the league with an impressive 20.3 offensive boards per game over the last three outings. This focus will be crucial against a Kings squad that ranks 27th in the league in rebounds per game. Under the guidance of first-year coach Jordan Ott, the Suns have made winning the possession battle a priority, which has been a significant factor in their success against teams with losing records (12-4 this season).
Defensive Tenacity Drives Suns’ Success
The Suns’ defensive strategy has also been a highlight, as they rank first in the NBA for steals per game (10.7) and second in points generated from turnovers (21.9). Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson recently praised the Suns for their relentless playing style, crediting Ott for instilling this intensity. As the Suns prepare to face the Kings, they will look to maintain this level of effort and aggression.
Tonight’s game is set to tip off at 7:00 p.m. MST, and the Suns are favored by 12.5 points over a struggling Kings team. With the potential return of Grayson Allen and a focused game plan, Phoenix is eager to get back in the win column.
