Suns Expected to Make Drastic Change to Starting Lineup
The Phoenix Suns are staring the possibility of elimination right in the face tonight, as the Denver Nuggets can close out the second-round series with a Game 6 win at the Footprint Center in just a few hours.
There could be some notable starts out of action for both sides.
Nuggets guard Jamal Murray was a sudden addition to the injury report thanks to illness, making him questionable for tonight's game.
As for the Suns, they'll be without Deandre Ayton (rib contusion) and Chris Paul (groin), leaving them down two starters tonight.
With two vacant spots for Suns coach Monty Williams to fill, the five spot is expected to feature Jock Landale with Bismack Biyombo also rotating minutes at center throughout the night. Landale has impressed with his physicality and hustle against Denver.
Phoenix has normally deployed a backcourt of Devin Booker and Cameron Payne since Paul's departure in the late stages of Game 2, yet Suns insider/Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro expects a different move in Landry Shamet emerging as a starter.
Perhaps Williams prefers Payne with the secondary unit as a way to increase bench production, something that has been lacking for most of the postseason as a whole.
Shamet did score 19 points in Game 4 but has failed to impress outside of that performance.
Booker typically handles point duties whenever he's on the court anyways, though it is interesting that Phoenix may roll without a traditional point guard in their lineup. Perhaps the Suns will count on Shamet to make his shots with likely ample spacing available.
Game 6 is tonight at 7:00 PM PST.
