PHOENIX –The Phoenix Suns (35-42) are in dire condition. Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks (49-28) is likely a must-win for the franchise. Phoenix sits two games out of the last Play-In spot, occupied by the Sacramento Kings, with five games left. The Suns are on a five-game losing streak, with Sunday’s game the finale of a three-game road trip.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Suns have tried to stay afloat in the absence of superstar forward Kevin Durant, who’s been battling an ankle sprain sustained against the Houston Rockets on March 30th. In the 15-time All-Star’s absence, guard Devin Booker has stepped up immensely, averaging 38.0 points, 8.5 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in the past two games.
Nov 20, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
However, those outstanding performances haven’t equated to wins, and it doesn’t get easier against the Knicks, who’ve won six of their past eight games and have guard Jalen Brunson returning to the lineup after missing the past 15 games with an ankle injury.
Nov 20, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates a three point shot against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suns vs. Knicks Injury report:
Suns:Â
- Kevin Durant (Out) – Ankle
Knicks:Â
- Jalen Brunson (Available) – Ankle
- Miles McBride (Questionable) – Groin
- Cameron Payne (Probable) – Ankle
- Ariel Hukporti (Out) – Knee
Nov 20, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots the ball against New York Knicks center Jericho Sims (20) and forward OG Anunoby (8) during the third quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Knicks are essentially locked in as the third seed in the Eastern Conference, with the Indiana Pacers three games behind. New York is likely to be focused on staying healthy for the postseason, as Brunson’s return is to allow the two-time All-Star to get some reps before the start of the postseason.
Despite being without Durant, Phoenix could steal one in Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are returning home after a two-game road trip, and notoriously, the first home game following a road trip is difficult to win in the NBA.
The last time the two teams met in the Big Apple, the Durant-less Suns were able to escape with a 116-113 win. Regardless, New York is still the favorite at -9.5 on ESPN Bet. However, Booker plays his best in the brightest lights, and there’s nothing brighter than Madison Square Garden.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
