Suns Reveal Starters vs Celtics
PHOENIX -- Without the talents of Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns head coach Frank Vogel is opting for the following starting lineup against the Boston Celtics:
Bradley Beal
Grayson Allen
Royce O'Neale
Kevin Durant
Jusuf Nurkic
Booker is out due to a right ankle sprain after approaching tonight as questionable. Vogel told reporters Booker was making good progress - such as doing on-court work at practice and trying to loosen it pre-game - though the All-Star isn't quite ready to return.
This will mark the fourth consecutive game Booker misses due to the injury. He joins Nassir Little, Josh Okogie and Damion Lee as being out for Phoenix.
The Suns approach tonight's meeting with Boston having won their prior two games, though the Celtics currently sit atop the Eastern Conference and are sure to provide a test as one of the league's best teams.
With Booker out, Beal will act as the primary ball-handler for the Suns, something Durant praised him for following the win against Toronto:
“Coaches are expecting Brad (Bradley Beal) to play a role. He has brought the ball up before, but I think he is playing traditional point guard right now. He is setting up the offense every single time down, he is giving up shots to his teammates. He is penetrating every time trying to kick out, he is one of those players who can do everything," Durant said.
"Any situation you put him in he is going to figure it out. He is an unselfish player, when you are unselfish and have the skills that he has, you can adapt to anything.”
The Suns are 37-26 with just under 20 games remaining in the regular season.
Opening tip is slated for just past 6:30 PM Arizona Time.
