Game Preview: Suns vs. Blazers Preseason Round Two

What: Phoenix Suns (2-1) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (1-2)

When: 7:00 pm AZ Time

Where: Footprint Center — Phoenix, Arizona

Watch: Suns Live, NBATV, AZ Family 3TV, AZ Family Sports

Listen: KMVP 98.7 FM

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The Phoenix Suns will take on the Portland Trail Blazers for the second consecutive preseason game, this time in Phoenix. The Suns secured a 122-111 win in Portland last Thursday at the Moda Center.

It was Deandre Ayton and Toumani Camara’s first game against their former team, and the same for Jusuf Nurkic and Nassir Little of course.

Nurkic posted 17 points, 8 rebounds 5 assists, 2 steals, and a block in 21 minutes of action on 6-of-8 shooting from the field. Phoenix’s starters were locked in and made the most of their action early on. They scored 76 points in the first half and finished +18 or higher in the box score.

Devin Booker hit some tough pullup threes that set Twitter (X) on fire momentarily, and Durant looked to be in midseason form as well. Eric Gordon led all Suns’ scorers with 20 points in 18 minutes on 10 shots.

Blazers rookie Scoot Henderson had an impressive game, tallying 22 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 31 minutes, though he did have six turnovers. Ayton finished with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block in 23 minutes against his former squad.

Now we’re all set for round two. Phoenix had three days off between games and Portland is coming off a 138-133 loss to Utah on Saturday.

Projected Lineups

Phoenix:

• Bradley Beal
• Devin Booker
• Josh Okogie
• Kevin Durant
• Jusuf Nurkic

Portland:

• Scoot Henderson
• Anfernee Simons
• Matisse Thybulle
• Jerami Grant
• Deandre Ayton

Out/Injured

Phoenix:

• Damion Lee (right knee meniscus) is OUT
• Eric Gordon (hip) is OUT
• Ish Wainright (right calf strain) is OUT

Portland:

• Deandre Ayton (undisclosed) is QUESTIONABLE
• Robert Williams (knee) is QUESTIONABLE

What to Watch For

The Big 3 is in.

Booker, Durant, and Beal are all expected to play, making this their first “official” home game together. It remains to be seen how long of a leash Vogel gives them, as we edge closer to the final rehearsal in terms of preseason minutes. Phoenix has one remaining preseason game in left in a neutral site against the Lakers.

This very well could be their last chance for reps before the regular season tips off next Tuesday should they opt to rest them for the preseason finale. Let’s hope they make the most of it.

The Ayton-Nurkic Round 2

This matchup went heavily in favor of Nurkic in round one. Yes, it’s preseason and ultimately meaningless, but it was encouraging to see him look as comfortable as he did.

It’s unclear how many minutes either of the two will receive tonight. In today’s day and age, it’s possible one of the two doesn’t even play, we just don’t know yet.

It will be interesting to see Ayton against his former team at home this time, but I’m sure he cannot wait to get it over with. It’s like running into your ex in public on consecutive nights at different bars.

The Numbers

Phoenix’s offense has looked sharp this preseason, posting 119.7 points per game in three games on a 48/39/80 shooting split (rounding up).

The Suns have done a nice job of getting to the line this preseason, as they currently rank 6th in FTA and 5th in FTM. They are sixth overall in the NBA in three point shooting percentage at 38.8.

Keys to a Suns Win

How long do the starters play? How large of a cushion can they leave the second unit with?

That is all.

The real “win” is staying healthy.

Prediction

Suns by 4.

121-117