Preview: Suns Host Warriors

The Phoenix Suns (8-6) are playing the second half of a back-to-back home set tonight against the Golden State Warriors (7-8) at Footprint Center.

The Warriors are reeling as of late, losing 6 of their past 7 contests while the Suns are riding a four-game winning streak.

While Golden State does possess decent enough depth, the shot creation outside of Steph Curry leaves much to be desired.

No one is averaging more than 15 points per game other than Curry, and the roster also conspicuously struggled with efficiency. Curry is virtually carrying the Warriors' offense to the state of being viewed as a passable unit.

Klay Thompson's Struggles

Klay Thompson has seemingly hit a proverbial wall after a strong return from torn ACL/achilles injuries in the Warriors' 2022 title run.

Thompson is drawing the ire of Warriors fans after going through the worst stretch of efficiency in his career, barely crossing 40% from the field and 34% from three through the 14 games he's played.

Thompson is also the least effective he's ever been defensively and is nearly averaging as many turnovers (1.9) as assists (2.1.)

The simple truth is that Thompson isn't the player he once was, and although he can't be discounted as a player who can occasionally show their old self, the fact that he's the second leading scorer is a serious point of concern for Steve Kerr and co.

Chris Paul's Return

Chris Paul is officially making his anticipated return to Footprint Center tonight after the offseason move.

Paul etched himself into Suns history as one of the greatest to ever don a uniform for the franchise in only three seasons. Paul spearheading the revival of winning basketball in a basketball town along with Devin Booker will always be special to the Phoenix community and Suns fans.

Paul has legitimately been a top-three player for the Warriors this season, averaging 9.8 PPG, 7.7 APG, and 1.7 SPG at 38 years old.

Dario Saric also returns to Phoenix once again after 3.5 seasons with the Suns.

Expect a large amount of cheering for Paul tonight, despite the uniform he is currently wearing.

How Will Warriors Deal With Green's Absence?

Draymond Green is going to continue to serve the five-game suspension tonight that was levied following his role in the altercation at the beginning of the Minnesota Timberwolves-Warriors contest last week.

Green is obviously the best defender on the Warriors, and his absence makes it even more difficult for Kerr to curate lineups that can contain the Suns' potent offense.

Kerr will likely be forced to run a Paul-Curry-Wiggins-Kuminga-Looney starting unit, while one of his other key defenders in Gray Payton II is officially questionable tonight. Payton's absence would put an even larger strain on the Warriors' gameplay/ability to contain Phoenix.

Phoenix and Golden State will tip off shortly after 8 PM Arizona time tonight.