The Phoenix Suns (2-4) and Detroit Pistons (2-4) meet today for the second of a Suns back-to-back following yesterday’s loss to the 76ers. Devin Booker was ruled out once again for today’s game for the Suns, who will also be missing Bradley Beal once again. Phoenix will look to Kevin Durant to provide most of the offensive load for another game. The Suns will also face former head coach Monty Williams for the first time as an opponent (outside of preseason).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Local Game Information
Start Time: 1 p.m. MST
Location:Â Little Caesars Arena
TV Channel:Â 3 TV/AZ Family
Radio:Â Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, La Mejor 106.5 FM
Stream:Â Suns Live (click for more info)
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 5, 2023
Injury Report
Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker (Right Calf Strain) OUT | Bradley Beal (Low Back Spasms) OUT | Damion Lee (Right Meniscus Surgery) OUT
Detroit Pistons:Â Bojan Bogdanovic (Right Calf Strain) OUT | Alec Burks (Left Forearm Contusion) OUT | Jaden Ivey (Illness) OUT | Isaiah Livers (Left Ankle Sprain) OUT | Monte Morris (Right Quad Strain) OUT
Starters
Phoenix Suns: Eric Gordon, Grayson Allen, Keita Bates-Diop, Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkić
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, Killian Hayes, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart
Last Time Out
The Suns (2-4) lost yesterday 112-100 to the 76ers (4-1). This was the team’s third straight loss. Without Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant and whoever was willing to step in and help had to carry the Suns offensively. Despite the score, the Suns were never really in the game late. Durant had 31 points, Eric Gordon had 13 and Jusuf Nurkić had 11. Outside of these three guys who are expected to score, only Drew Eubanks (10 points) was in double figures. The Suns only shot 32-of-89 (36%) from the floor.
The Pistons are coming off a few days of rest compared to the Suns, as they last played the Pelicans on Thursday and fell 125-116. Cade Cunningham led the charge for Detroit with 22 points and 11 assists. No. 4 overall pick Ausar Thompson had 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. These two will look to carry Detroit again likely without the team’s second-leading scorer Alec Burks.
Flashback: Last Meeting (Feb. 4, 2023)
Also met in the preseason:
Team Matchup Notes
Here are some stats, notes and everything else to know about the Suns and Pistons before their first matchup of the year (via Suns)
Each team’s stats (via Suns and Pistons):
Preview: Devin Booker OUT with DIFFERENT Injury, as well as Bradley Beal Again
"He got an MRI last night and it revealed a calf strain. So there is an injury there. He's trying to get back as quickly as possible, but he's dealt with a toe first, and then an ankle and now a calf strain."
Frank Vogel on Devin Booker's latest injury, right calf strain. #Suns pic.twitter.com/BtoQKF25Ow
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 5, 2023
WATCH: Monty Williams on Facing Former Team and Devin Booker’s Injury
"These are cool games to be part of for sure." Monty Williams on facing Phoenix Suns as he coached them to the 2021 #NBA Finals. #Suns pic.twitter.com/MNWg9iagdS
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 5, 2023
"He just doesn't miss games. He doesn't like to miss."#Pistons coach Monty Williams on Devin Booker, who is out Sunday's game at Detroit with right calf strain. #Suns pic.twitter.com/aCbXoZc1xz
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 5, 2023
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
