Injury-Riddled Clash: Suns Face Off Against Spurs
PHOENIX — Tonight’s matchup between the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs promises to be a gritty contest, but both teams are navigating a minefield of injuries. The Suns (10-6) are aiming for their eighth victory in nine games as they host the Spurs (11-4), who are on the hunt for their fourth consecutive win.
Suns’ Injury Report
The Suns will be missing key players Jalen Green, sidelined with a right hamstring strain, and Grayson Allen, who is dealing with a right quad contusion. Additionally, Ryan Dunn (right wrist sprain) and Rasheer Fleming (left ankle sprain) will also be out, adding to the roster challenges. Dunn had recently stepped into a starting role in place of Allen, but now the Suns will have to adjust their lineup once again.
“Regardless of who is injured, we can’t focus on that,” said Suns head coach Jordan Ott. “It’s about our mentality, how hard we play, and executing our game plan for all 48 minutes.”
Spurs’ Struggles
The Spurs are facing their own injury woes, most notably missing rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama due to a left calf strain. They will also be without Stephon Castle (left hip flexor strain), Dylan Harper (left calf strain), and Jordan McLaughlin (left hamstring strain). The absence of Wembanyama, a critical piece for their success, puts additional pressure on the remaining squad members.
Previous Encounter
This game marks the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Suns secured a victory in their first clash at Mortgage Matchup Center, defeating the Spurs 130-118 on November 2, which halted San Antonio’s perfect start to the season.
Suns’ Starting Lineup
With several players out, the Suns will adjust their starting lineup as follows:
Devin Booker
Jordan Goodwin
Dillon Brooks
Royce O’Neale
Mark Williams
Devin Booker, the lone player to have started every game this season, is looking to bounce back after a challenging performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In that contest, he managed just 16 points on an uncharacteristic 4-of-18 shooting, along with nine turnovers.
Jordan Goodwin, stepping into the starting role for the first time this season, has been a bright spot off the bench, scoring in double digits in five consecutive games and shooting 40% from beyond the arc.
Dillon Brooks has emerged as a vital component of the Suns’ new identity, averaging a career-high 21 points and 2.1 steals per game. His role as the second scoring option has grown with the absence of Green and Allen.
Royce O’Neale is also enjoying a career year, contributing an average of 11.6 points while shooting 42.9% from three-point range. He’s coming off a strong outing against the Timberwolves, where he delivered clutch plays in the closing moments.
Mark Williams, a key figure in the paint, has been managed carefully due to prior injuries, but his presence will be crucial against a Spurs team that is missing Wembanyama.
Game Expectations
As the Suns prepare for this back-to-back, with the Houston Rockets looming on the schedule for tomorrow night, they will look to secure a win tonight against the Spurs. The game is set to tip off at 6:00 p.m. MST, promising an intriguing battle between two teams trying to navigate the hurdles of a challenging NBA season.
