Gameday: Can Suns Continue Winning Ways vs. Hawks?
Who: Atlanta Hawks (25-26) at Phoenix Suns (27-25)
When: Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 8:00 PM MST
Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
Spread: Suns -1.5 (via SI Sportsbook)
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Atlanta Hawks in what will be the first matchup between the two sides this season, and both teams are on different trajectories as of late.
The Suns have won their last six-of-seven games while the Hawks have lost their previous four-of-five.
Despite their most recent loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Dejounte Murray is hot after dropping a 40 burger on Monday. His backcourt teammate Trae Young (ankle) is probable to play after missing their previous game. Young has scored 21+ points in his last five games and has scored back-to-back 30 point games. He's also third in the NBA with 9.9 assists per night.
The Hawks have a total of six players that average 10 points or more with two others (AJ Griffin at 9.7 and Onyeka Okongwu at 9.2) not too far behind the mark.
If you recognize John Collins' name, the Suns have been connected with the Atlanta forward in trade rumors for awhile but reportedly don't want to take on his contract.
The Suns will still be without the likes of Devin Booker (groin), Landry Shamet (foot) and Cam Payne (foot), but that hasn't been a problem as of late. In all of their previous six wins, Phoenix has hit at least 112 points in all of those contests while allowing 111.5 points per night defensively, good enough for fifth in the league.
Mikal Bridges has really taken his scoring to the next level as of late, scoring 20 points in his last 8-of-11 games. Since his return from injury, Chris Paul has averaged 21.6 points and 10.4 assists per night. Deandre Ayton has certainly played his role at times, hitting double-doubles in his last seven-of-nine games as well.
Tonight's game will be nationally televised on ESPN. Their basketball power index gives Phoenix a 53.4% chance to win.
