Suns-Thunder Injury Report, Game Preview
In this story:
Who: Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder
When: Sunday, March 19 at 12:30 PM PST
Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Spread: Thunder -1.5 (via SI Sportsbook)
Phoenix Suns Injury Report
OUT: Deandre Ayton (right hip contusion), Kevin Durant (ankle)
PROBABLE: Landry Shamet (foot)
Quick Preview
The Phoenix Suns start their three game road trip today as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at 12:30 PM PST
Phoenix bounced back on Thursday night after losing three straight games defeating the Orlando Magic 116-113.
The absence of Kevin Durant has put the pressure on Devin Booker to perform and he has delivered. Over his last five games, Booker has scored over 25 points in four of them including a 44 point performance against the Thunder the last time they played on March 8.
The Suns currently sit as the four seed in the Western Conference with a record of 38-32 but only three games separate them and the eighth seeded Dallas Mavericks. Every game is critical moving forward.
It's been a surprising year for the Thunder as they are in a position to make the play-in with a record of 34-36, which currently slots them at the tenth seed.
Oklahoma City’s season has been headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who is averaging an impressive 31.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per night. All eyes will be glued to the matchup between Gilgeous-Alexander and Booker. The two certainly place as premier guards in the NBA and their performances could completely sway the outcome of the game.
Phoenix’s offense will be put up to the test. The Thunder’s defense ranks tenth in defensive rating. OKC's defense is anchored by former Arizona State alumni Luguentz Dort. He is capable of going up against Booker or Chris Paul and with the size of Gilgeous-Alexander it will be no picnic for the Suns’ guards to operate.
This late into the season with playoff implications on the line, every game carries so much significance so the result of this game while it seems small, does mean a lot for both teams as the regular season comes to a conclusion.
