Preview: Suns Face Pistons Before All-Star Break

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns (32-22) are looking to close out the official first half of the NBA season tonight with a home date against the Detroit Pistons (8-45).

The Pistons have been playing a more competitive brand of basketball lately - they frequently compete through large portions of games against almost always superior competition. Monty Williams has the young squad showing clear signs of progression currently and moving forward.

The Suns will be without Bradley Beal tonight, as the guard tweaked his hamstring last night against the Sacramento Kings.

Three headlines to watch going into the game:

Pistons: Monty Williams Returns

The Suns are welcoming former head coach Monty Williams back tonight for the first time since the two sides parted ways in May 2023.

Williams coached the team from 2019-23 - those four seasons resulted in one coach of the year award, five playoff series wins, and the acquisition of two superstar level players in his time leading the franchise.

The Suns are reportedly giving Williams a tribute video tonight as well - a well-deserved development as the Suns are unlikely to be in the position they are today without his contributions.

Pistons: Playing Better Basketball

The Pistons have gone 4-6 in their last 10 games.

Considering the bar previously was a 4-39 start, the Pistons appear to be looking up at the moment

The recent uptick in play has been headlined by the promising young core and has coincided with the parting of ways with many veteran players.

Jaden Ivey, Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Marcus Sasser, and Jalen Duren have all played strong basketball over the last 10 games - and the Pistons may have a better future than many would assume.

Prediction: Suns Win by 14

This game looks to be shaping up to be a Suns win - with or without Beal.

The young talent in Detroit keep the game close for about 2.5 quarters, but the overall firepower of the Suns' core will prove to be too much.

Phoenix heads into the All-Star break at 33-22, with a post break schedule that will almost certainly serve as the ultimate litmus test - two games against the Boston Celtics, two bouts with the Denver Nuggets, and one more matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks are just the tip of the iceberg in the final 27 games of the 2023-24 schedule.

Suns-Pistons is set to tip off shortly after 7:00 PM Arizona time tonight.