The In-Season Tournament is now behind the Suns and the rest of the NBA. It’s time to refocus on the task at hand – racking up a winning streak and climbing the ladder.
After three days of rest, Phoenix wants to welcome Bradley Beal to the starting lineup. We’ve seen him play since November 12th against the Oklahoma City Thunder. His first test will be against a Golden State Warriors team in a nationally televised game on TNT. The Warriors, who enter at 10-12, are not the same lethal presence they were two seasons ago. While Steph Curry remains an elite offensive player, Draymond Green is moodier (he’s missed games this season due to suspension, including last game against the Suns), Thompson is struggling (he’s shooting a career-worst 35, 4% career three-pointer), and the team has aged with the addition of Chris Paul this offseason. The Warriors, like the Suns, have yet to find their way this season. They’re also a team in the middle, as they have a net rating of +0.4 (17th), which isn’t far from Phoenix’s +2.2 (14th). So as we welcome back Chris Paul and Dario Saric, this time with (hopefully) the Suns’ Big Three, let’s hope the Suns can push their record to 3-0 against their Pacific Division rivals. Probable appetizersPHOENIXDevin BokerBradley BealEric GordonKevin Durant? Jusuf NurkicGOLDEN STATESteph CurryKlay ThompsonAndrea WigginsDraymond GreenKevin LooneyUniform matchAccident reportTanning:Bradley Beal – AVAILABLE (lumbar problems)Kevin Durant – Questionable (left ankle sprain)Grayson Allen – OUT (right groin strain)Damion Lee – OUT (right meniscus surgery)Nassir Little – OUT (Concussion Protocol)Warriors:Gary Payton Jr. – OFF (knee)What to pay attention toAll our eyes will be fixated on the chemistry between Devon Booker and Bradley Beal.The two have yet to play together, so it will be the distance, gravity and play between the two that will be most intriguing. Will it be free-flowing? Or will it be more of a “your turn, my turn” crime? Don’t be surprised if it’s the latter.We saw it with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving when they learned to play together. Both wanted to be altruistic and let the other cook, but both are used to being chefs in their own kitchen too. Bradley Beal has been an alpha on his team for a decade, and while he’s willing to take a backseat, that’s easier said than done.The replacement models will also be interesting. Frank Vogel was very assertive when Beal was first available this season, limiting his minutes in an attempt to get him into basketball shape (and prevent further back injuries). Beal has played 23 minutes, 31 minutes and 30 minutes in his three appearances this season.The key to the Suns victoryRebounding team. The Warriors are second in the NBA with 47.3 rebounds per game and fourth with 13.2 offensive rebounds. The Suns have struggled lately, allowing 12 offensive rebounds (10th) in December. The Suns need to focus on the glass and deny extra possessions.We know those extra assets that have turned into Steph Curry daggers.PredictionThe reinsertion of Bradley Beal into the lineup cannot be understated. He’s a scorer, just like Kevin Durant. “These are the nightmares that all coaches have when they try to protect Brad,” Devin Booker said of Beal. “It’s a problem.”Beal’s return will energize Booker, who will play a classic Booker game tonight. I argue for 40 points. And obviously a Suns win.Suns 118, Warriors 110.
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