Preview: Suns Face Thunder in Key Matchup
The Phoenix Suns are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight at Footprint Center.
The Thunder are coming off two days of rest following an upset loss to the San Antonio Spurs, while Phoenix is completing the second part of their back-to-back after losing to the Houston Rockets the night prior.
Three storylines to watch out for going into the night:
The Gauntlet Begins for Phoenix
The Suns will start a two-week stretch in which they will face Oklahoma City tonight, the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night, the Boston Celtics twice in a week span and the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers.
This stretch won't get much easier the rest of the way, but this may be the most difficult stretch of the season for the Suns.
This game against OKC might prove to be the start of a litmus test pertaining to whether the Suns are legitimate contenders or not.
Key Matchup: Jalen Williams vs Suns Wings
Jalen Williams has emphatically broken out as a potential MIP candidate in year two of his NBA career - and is virtually a positive in every aspect of the game.
The Suns' wing lineup of Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and perhaps Eric Gordon will be tasked with containing the dynamic rising star on both ends of the floor.
Prediction: Suns Win
The Suns come into this game focused - unlike last night against the Rockets and come out with a win to be in position for a marquee matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night that could have serious implications within the Western Conference standings.
Suns-Thunder is set to tip shortly after 7:30 PM Arizona time tonight.
