Game preview: Phoenix Suns look to upset NBA’s best in MLK Day matinee

On By Littum

WHO: Phoenix Suns (21-20) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (35-6)

When: 1:30 PM Arizona time

Where: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, Ohio

Clock: AZFamily, Suns Live

Listen: KMVP 98.7

The Phoenix Suns, winners of their last two games, travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavs in an MLK Day matinee. The Cavs have the best record in the NBA at 35-6, are 8-2 in their last 10 games and 20-2 at home. The Suns are in the midst of a five-game road trip, beating the pesky Detroit Pistons 125-121 on Saturday.

The win on Saturday marked the debut for newly acquired center Nick Richards. His impact was immediate. He had 21 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes played and was also a team-best +22.

The Suns game has been inconsistent throughout this season and that will be necessary BIG raise their game if they want to have a chance to beat Cleveland at home. The Cavs are second in the league in points per game. match with 122.1 and 13th in defense of 112.1. Compare this to the Suns, who are 14th in scoring to 113.2 and 20th in defense of 114.3. Cleveland’s scoring leaders are starting guards Donovan Mitchell at 23.1 ppg and Darius Garland at 21.2 ppg.

Likely starters

Damage report

Sun

Bradley Beal — Doubtful (ankle)

Jusuf Nurkić — OUT (illness)

Cavs

Isaac Okoro — DISSAYABLE (shoulder)

Evan Mobley — DISSAYABLE (ankle)

Uniform Matchup

What to look for

Nick Richards continued his integration with the team.

He did not start his first game, but played more minutes than any other center on the team. He will need to have a great game against Cleveland’s front line that includes Jarrett Allen and Even Mobley if we hope to pull off an upset.

Will Devin Booker’s hot streak continue?

Booker has scored over 30 points in his last five games. Will this game be his sixth? He will have to outplay “Spida” Mitchell for the Suns to have a chance.

Ryan Dunn’s continued growth.

Ryan has far exceeded expectations in his first year and continues to strive as a starter. He will have to shine both defensively AND offensively for the Suns team to beat the mighty Cavs.

Three-point shooting

Before the win against the Pistons, the Suns were 0-5 when attempting fewer than 30 three-pointers. We have to hit threes against the Cavs.

Ty Jerome, do you remember him?!

Former Suns great, – okay, okay, I know – Ty Jerome is having a wonderful season. He is averaging 10.3 points and shooting over 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 89% from the line.

The key to a Suns win

Let’s be honest, this has the makings of a tough game for the Suns. Playing on the road, in the middle of a road trip and trying to incorporate a new starting center. For a win, DBook and KD would have to score a bunch, we would have to shoot more threes, play good defense and play a full 48 minutes. Not too much to ask, right?

Forecast

Call me crazy, but I think we have a chance! I don’t know why I think so, given the inconsistency we’ve seen all season, but I think we can win this game. KD and DBook would have to combine for 70+ points and all the stars would have to align, but I think we will stun the world!

Suns 124, Cavs 120