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Will Julius Randle & Chris Paul Play Tonight? Phoenix Suns vs New York Knicks: Predictions, Injury Updates & Lineups

Published 05/07/2021, 2:45 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The New York Knicks face off against the team, which has the second best regular season record in Phoenix Suns, tonight at 10:00 PM EST.

After three fantastic victories in a row, the Knicks were simply outclassed in their last game against the Nuggets, who defeated them 113-97. The Knicks did not have an answer for the offensive masterclass by Nikola Jokic. Their offense also fell flat as both RJ Barrett and Julius Randle had forgetful shooting performances. Despite their impressive performances, the Knicks have struggled to defeat teams against teams above .500 this season with a record of 13 wins and 19 losses. A win against the Suns will give them much needed confidence ahead of the post-season.

The Phoenix Suns also couldn’t continue their five game winning streak as they suffered a 135-103 loss at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks. After staying at the top of the Western Conference standings, their latest loss at the hands of the Hawks sees them drop to the second seed in the West. With a handful of games remaining in the regular season, the Suns have to ensure that they win all their remaining games and maintain pressure on the Jazz for the top spot in the Conference.

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Predictions

The Knicks go up against a Suns side who are under immense pressure to win their remaining games if they want to clinch the top seeding in the West. Chris Paul and Co. have already beaten the Knicks once in this matchup and given the form and the injuries of respective teams, the Suns surely have an edge over the Knicks in this matchup.

New York Knicks: Injury updates and lineup prediction

The Knicks might miss some players through injuries ahead of their game against the Suns. Center Mitchell Robinson is out with a foot injury, and it is highly unlikely that he will make his return this season. Rookie Immanuel Quickley is doubtful with a knee injury, while veteran Alec Burks is also doubtful as he recovers from a knee injury.

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The Knicks have a great opportunity to tie their series against the Suns, but players like Julius Randle and RJ Barrett need to bring their ‘A game’ for Knicks to pull off this upset.

Probable Lineup

RJ Barrett (G)

Elfrid Payton (G)

Julius Randle (F)

Reggie Bullock (F)

Taj Gibson (C)

Phoenix Suns: Injury updates and lineup prediction

The Suns have some major injury concerns. Starting forward, Jae Crowder is out as he recovers from an ankle injury. Guard Langston Galloway is sidelined due to personal reasons while rotational guard Abdel Nader is recovering from a knee injury. Guards Cameron Johnson and Cameron Payne are also questionable against the Knicks.

USA Today via Reuters

The Suns are under tremendous pressure if they want to clinch the first seed in the West. Can the Suns win all their remaining games and take the first seed ahead of the Utah Jazz?

Probable Lineup

Chris Paul (G)

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Devin Booker (G)

Mikal Bridges (F)

Cameron Johnson (F)

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DeAndre Ayton (C)

Who will win between the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Aditya Mohapatra

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Aditya Mohapatra is a sports enthusiast who primarily covers the NBA for EssentiallySports. Having graduated in Mass Communication, he has prior experience in writing for ABP News, and has been writing for EssentiallySports since November 2020. This die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan feels that LeBron James is the best thing to have ever happened to the NBA, and will hold a healthy debate with anyone suggesting otherwise.
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