Preview/Thread: Phoenix Suns stay in the Northwest to face off against the Trailblazers

What: Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers (Preseason)

When: Saturday, October 12 at 5:00 p.m. AZ Time

Where: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon.

Radio: 98.7 FM

Watch: NBA TV

Lineups

During their second preseason game Thursday, Mikal Bridges, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Aron Baynes all were playing and apart of the rotation. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bridges, Oubre and Baynes gets more playing time this game after combining for 54 minutes of on court action. Tyler Johnson, who was a healthy scratch for last game, was ruled as probable on yesterday’s injury report according to Kellan Olson. We should expect a similar rotation from Thursday’s game with more of an emphasis on the starters since the regular season is so close.

Key Questions

1: Will the Suns cut down on their turnovers?

The Suns struggled against the Kings, turning over the ball 21 times and getting used to the new coach Monty Williams. The team struggled with this in their first preseason game, turning it over 29 times. While playing smart is important, the Suns shouldn’t cut back on their aggressiveness, especially against a top team like the Trail Blazers.

2: How will the Suns backcourt look against the Trailblazers?

We saw (well, we heard since the game wasn’t streamed anywhere) how the Suns played and it was clear that Devin Booker and Ricky Rubio struggled. Booker scored 18 on 6-16 shooting while Rubio only scored four points and three assists. It’s clear the two are going to have to face some growing pains together in order to come together.

They’ll face a tough challenge against the Trail Blazers, who have one of top backcourts in the league with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Both men are top guards and though they’ll pose problems for the Suns this game, it’s important that Booker and Rubio learn how they play with each other and there’s no better way to learn than seeing it up close. It isn’t fair to expect Booker and Rubio to have an instant connection but it’s vital for this season and the years to come for Booker and Rubio to build it.

Next Up

After this game, the Suns will return home for a matchup against the Denver Nuggets Monday October 14 at 6:00 p.m. MST.