The Phoenix Suns (43-30, 7th in Western Conference) look to build momentum tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22, 3rd in Western Conference). This is the fourth contest of Phoenix’s five-game road trip and final meeting between these two teams this season (OKC leads series 2-0).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Jusuf Nurkić (right ankle sprain) is questionable for Phoenix after missing last game, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (right quad contusion) is doubtful for the Thunder after missing one game. The Sunss are 1-4 without Nurkić this season, while the Thunder are 1-2 when Gilgeous-Alexander hasn’t played.
The Suns last defeated the Denver Nuggets 104-97 Wednesday night, picking up arguably their best win of the season coming off an embarrassing loss to the San Antonio Spurs Monday night. Kevin Durant had 30 points to go along with 13 rebounds and five blocks, both season highs. Phoenix played one of its best defensive games of the season, holding Denver to 10-of-40 (25%) shooting from 3-point range.
Without Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder fell 132-126 in overtime to the scorching hot Houston Rockets Wednesday. Josh Giddey had a career-high 31 points in the loss, while three players off OKC’s bench scored 13 or more points.
In the last meeting between these two teams on March, Phoenix fell 118-110 at home without Devin Booker. Jusuf Nurkić recorded 31 rebounds, the most in Suns’ franchise history and in the NBA since 2010, in the loss, while Bradley Beal had one of his best performances for the Suns, finishing with 31 points on 10-of-14 shooting and six assists. Gilgeous-Alexander proved to be too much for Phoenix, however, as he stuffed the stat sheet with 35 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, three steals and three blocks. The Suns had 21 turnovers in this game.
Local Game Information
Start Time: 5:00 p.m. MST
Location: Paycom Center
TV Channel: AZ Family/ 3TV
Radio:Â Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, La Mejor 106.5 FM
Stream:Â Suns Live (click for more info)
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 29, 2024
Betting Odds
Line: PHX -1.5
O/U:Â 227.5
Injury Report
Phoenix Suns: Jusuf Nurkić (right ankle sprain) QUESTIONABLE | Damion Lee (right meniscus surgery) OUT
Oklahoma City Thunder:Â Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (right quad contusion) DOUBTFUL
Starters (Projected)
Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkić/Drew Eubanks
Oklahoma City Thunder:Â Josh Giddey, Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren
Five Keys to Game for Suns
- Limiting turnovers
- Defensive pressure/playing in transition
- Riding momentum
- Not allowing big runs
- 3-point defense
Prediction
Suns 113 – Thunder 109
If the Suns can play like they did against Denver, this should be an easier win with Gilgeous-Alexander likely out. However, the Thunder are the No. 1 team in the NBA in both forcing turnovers (15.8 opponent turnovers) and generating points off turnovers (20.3), two areas the Suns have struggled greatly in, so they will have to tidy this up. Oklahoma City could run away with this game if Phoenix falls into sloppy habits we are accustomed to seeing. The Suns have also overlooked their opponent missing its best player more than once, so they definitely can’t do that tonight.
With all this being said, the Suns have more firepower by far if Gilgeous-Alexander can’t go and I’d expect them to carry over momentum and pick up the win tonight in a close battle.
Last Meeting (March 3, 2024)
Suns’ Comeback Falls Short in Heartbreaking Loss to Oklahoma City Thunder
Team Matchup Notes
Everything to know about the Spurs and Thunder before their third and final meeting this season:
Each team’s stats (via Suns):
Preview: Injury report
Jusuf Nurkić questionable for tomorrow’s game against Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander doubtful
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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
