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In his first game back after serving a one-game suspension using some PTO, Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss will not return to the starting lineup, per a report from Scott Bordow of azcentral.com.
Dragan Bender getting start tonight for Suns. Not a punishment for Chriss. Without Booker, Suns need shooters, and a big who can draw Randle or Lopez away from basket
— scott bordow (@sbordow) February 6, 2018
Chriss’ abeyance stemmed from a verbal altercation with a Suns assistant coach following a 32-point loss to the Utah Jazz on Friday night. Dragan Bender started in his place on Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 18 points on 7 of 9 shooting, and pulling down 5 rebounds in 26 minutes. The Suns blew a 21-point third quarter lead en route to a 115-110 home loss.
It was the second consecutive impressive performance from Bender. He went for 16-9-5 in the mammoth loss to Utah. Will we see that guy tonight? Tune in and find out. The Suns and Los Angeles Lakers tip off from the Staples Center at 7:30p PT.