The Phoenix Suns have lost four of their last five games with time missed from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. With just two more games left until the NBA All-Star break, the Suns (26-26) are closer to becoming whole against the Memphis Grizzlies tonight.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Here are the pregame notes and quotes straight from Footprint Center ahead of their matchup:
Injury report:
Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) was not listed on the Suns’ injury report after missing the last three games. Grayson Allen (left knee soreness) is available. Bradley Beal (left great toe sprain), Cody Martin (sports hernia), Vasa Micic (left ankle sprain) and Oso Ighodaro (G League) are all out.
For Memphis, Zach Edey (nasal fracture) is available. Marvin Bagley III (right ankle sprain), Johnny Davis (not with team) and Cam Spencer (left thumb surgery) are all out.
Pregame quotes:
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer
On how Cody Martin’s versatility will help the team:
“I think his ability to impact he game defensively is something that we are excited about with his size and athleticism. He can guard multiple positions. He just really plays hard and competes. He competes at a high level. We will be excited about adding that defensive element and I think there are things that he can do offensively that excites us also. I look forward to when he is able to get into the mix.”
On Jaren Jackson Jr.’s ability to put the ball on to the floor:
“Yeah, he has really kind of grown or developed into a really tough cover. His ball handling at his size, his shot making at his size, he has kind of a strength and a physicality that he can take to the post, or he can hit people on his drives. Impressed with how he has grown on the offensive end of the court, and he is a big challenge for us tonight.”
On how they can prevent Memphis’s fastbreak point opportunities:
“I think we have to be good offensively. If we are efficient and we are scoring at a good rate, that helps. Taking care of the ball is something we have talked a lot about. Winning our turnovers and keeping teams out of transition. There just has to be a commitment to getting back and protecting the paint. Making them play at the half court. There is an awareness of what they do tonight.”
Starting lineups:
Phoenix Suns
- Tyus Jones
- Devin Booker
- Nick Richards
- Bol Bol
- Kevin Durant
Memphis Grizzlies
- Ja Morant
- Desmond Bane
- Zach Edey
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Jaylen Wells
How Bol Bol can be permanent piece of the Phoenix Suns’ rotation
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Reporter Connor Moreno covers the Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @cmorenosports, and on Bluesky, @cloading.bsky.social
