Record: 26-39
Championship Odds: +75000
Key Players:
Devin Booker: 26.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.6 APG
DeAndre Ayton: 19.0 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 1.7 BPG
Kelly Oubre Jr: 18.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.5 APG*
There has been speculation that Oubre would be sitting out of the restart to rehab his knee injury. While there has been varying statements from the player and the team and no official announcement, his tweets have indicated he will be joining the team in Orlando.
He may not take the floor, but it appears that at the very least he is along for the ride. Regardless of whether he plays or not, he will not have nearly the same impact he would regularly do to his injury and Phoenix’s slim chance at the playoffs likely limiting any minutes he sees.
Players Sitting Out
Outside of the questions surrounding Oubre, it appears the Suns will have their full roster ready to go for the restart.
Schedule
Day | Opponent | Time | TV |
7/31 | Washington Wizards | 4:00 PM | FOX Sports AZ |
8/2 | Dallas Mavericks | 9:00 PM | FOX Sports AZ |
8/4 | Los Angeles Clippers | 4:00 PM | NBA TV |
8/6 | Indiana Pacers | 4:00 PM | FOX Sports AZ |
8/8 | Miami Heat | 7:30 PM | FOX Sports AZ |
8/10 | Oklahoma City Thunder | 2:30 PM | FOX Sports AZ |
8/11 | Philadelphia 76ers | 4:30 PM | FOX Sports AZ |
8/13 | Dallas Mavericks | TBD | TBD |
Bubble Preview:
The Suns are one of only a handful of teams in the restart that find themselves with no playoff hope at all, as Phoenix currently finds themselves 6 games back and would have to jump five teams for the final playoff spot. With their chances at being competitive in the restart so slim, it’s likely that we won’t see the Suns main core of Booker, Ayton, and the uncertain Oubre Jr leading the way and taking a lot of minutes. They will certainly see time in an effort to stay fresh for the upcoming season, but will be walking a fine line when considering how littler this games benefit the Suns.
Instead, coach Monty Williams will use this time to develop the players he has around his young core, as players like rookie Cameron Johnson and Phoenix’s host of young talent will benefit from extended time against the best teams and players in the league.
The Suns won’t be much of a factor in Orlando, and have a very strong chance of going 0-9 in their time in the bubble. However, by using this time correctly to develop their young talent and stay ready for the next season, which will begin in a quick turnaround, the Suns can become one of the winners of this restart down the road.