The Phoenix Suns (44-31, 8th in Western Conference) look to build momentum tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers (46-30, 3rd in Eastern Conference) in the start of a four-game homestand.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Grayson Allen was added to the Suns’ injury report yesterday as questionable for tonight’s game with left hip soreness. The Cavs have a long list of injuries, but Donovan Mitchell is listed as available after missing last night’s game with left knee injury management.
These two teams last met on March 11 in Cleveland, a game in which the Suns came back from down as much as 19 to win 117-111 behind 37 points, eight rebounds and six assists from Kevin Durant.
Both teams are coming off blowout victories.
Phoenix beat the New Orleans Pelicans 124-111 Monday night to cap off a five-game road trip. Devin Booker scored 52 points on 68% shooting to go along with nine assists and a career-high eight 3-pointers, becoming the only player in NBA history other than Wilt Chamberlain to score 50 or more against the same opponent in three straight games. Phoenix responded very well coming off a 25-point loss to the Thunder missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with the win.
Last night, the Cavaliers handed the Utah Jazz their 10th straight loss with a 129-113 victory. Caris LeVert finished with 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen scored 21 points apiece, as Cleveland totaled 38 team assists in the win.
Local Game Information
Start Time: 7:00 p.m. MST
Location: Footprint Center
TV Channel: AZ Family/3TV, ESPN
Radio: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, La Mejor 106.5 FM
Stream: Suns Live (click for more info)
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 3, 2024
Betting Odds
Line: PHX -5.5
O/U: 226.5
Injury Report
Phoenix Suns: Grayson Allen (left hip soreness) QUESTIONABLE | Damion Lee (right meniscus surgery) OUT
Cleveland Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell (nasal facemask) AVAILABLE | Isaac Okoro (right great toe soreness) OUT | Dean Wade (right knee sprain) OUT | Craig Porter Jr. (illness) OUT | Ty Jerome (right ankle surgery) OUT
Starters (Projected)
Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkić
Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Five Keys to Game for Suns
- Limiting turnovers
- Defense leading to offense
- Ball movement
- Creating good looks
- 3-point defense
Prediction
Suns 115 – Cavaliers 108
If there’s one thing that’s been consistent with the Suns especially as of late, it’s that they usually play well against slower-paced, defensive-minded teams, which is exactly what the Cavaliers are (7th in defensive rating, 25th in pace). In these games, the Suns have shown the ability to focus more on their defense, which in turn leads to good offense because of the talent they have and being able to build off their defensive effort. This was the recipe to success in their last win against Cleveland, and if they come out with this mindset tonight, as they did against New Orleans Monday, the Suns should be able to pick up the win.
This could be a huge victory to show that the Suns can actually stack wins in this crucial part of the year, so we will see how they come out and if they are able to not overlook a short-handed opponent, as has happened multiple times.
Last Meeting (March 11, 2024)
Suns Stage Comeback Win against Undermanned Cleveland Cavaliers
Team Matchup Notes
Everything to know about the Spurs and Cavaliers before their second and final meeting this season (via Suns):
Each team’s stats (via Suns):
Watch: Suns shootaround footage
"We see what happens when we play the right way, and we see what happens when we play the wrong way."
Devin Booker’s full press conference from today’s #Suns (44-31) shootaround ahead of tonight’s matchup against the #Cavaliers (46-30) coming off a 52-point performance.… pic.twitter.com/aHQYuSXerM
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) April 3, 2024
Preview: Injury report
Grayson Allen questionable for tomorrow’s game against Cavaliers
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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
