USA Today via Reuters
Jan 1, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after making a three point basket against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 1, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after making a three point basket against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the coronavirus taking over the NBA once again, the league has no intentions of halting the season. So as the league plays on, the Phoenix Suns will face the Washington Wizards tonight. The Suns have continued their bubble form, while the Wizards have hit rock bottom in the East with their form.
With a 7-3 record, the Suns are 0.5 games behind Western Conference leaders Lakers currently. The arrival of Chris Paul in the off-season has invigorated them on both ends of the floor. They have seven players averaging double-digit points, and so for the first time in his career, Devin Booker is not overburdened on offense.
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Many analysts predicted the Wizards to be a playoff team following the arrival of Russell Westbrook. But it has just been the opposite so far. They are 15th in the standings with an embarrassing 2-8 record. Bradley Beal has been trying his best, averaging 35 points per game, but unfortunately, it has not translated into wins.
Phoenix Suns: Expected lineup
The Suns will have two absentees for tonight’s game. Rookie Jalen Smith (COVID-19 protocol) will stay on the sidelines, while Cameron Payne (Ankle) is unlikely to play as well.
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Jan 1, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) and guard Chris Paul (3) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and center Deandre Ayton (22) and forward Jae Crowder (99) react following a fourth quarter time out against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Their lineup should remain unchanged, so Chris Paul and Devin Booker will start as their guards, Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder will start as the forwards, while DeAndre Ayton will be their starting center.
Washington Wizards: Expected lineup
The Wizards will continue to miss Russell Westbrook (Quadriceps) but will have Bradley Beal return to the lineup. They faced a huge blow in their last game after Thomas Bryant was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.
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Jan 1, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrates after drawing a foul against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports
So their lineup will have Raul Neto and Bradley Beal playing as the guards, Deni Avdija and Rui Hachimura as their forwards, while Robin Lopez comes in as their starting center.
Predictions
Although the Wizards are the second best in point scored per game, they are the worst in points allowed per game. On the other hand, the Suns have the second best defense in the league. It will be an interesting matchup, but the Suns should be able to coast through. The lack of Bryant will hurt the Wizards, and Ayton could have a big game tonight.
