The Phoenix Suns begin the most tiring 10-game stretch of their season. Their first contest pits them against the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets in the Ball Arena. Phoenix (42-30) enters the game with a disappointing loss to the Victor Wembanyama-less San Antonio Spurs. On the other hand, Denver (51-21) hosts the game on a 4-game winning streak.

In what could have been a first-round game if the playoffs began right away, both teams can enter the game without a significant backcourt player; Jamal Murray and Bradley Beal. The Denver injury report lists Murray (knee inflammation) and Aaron Gordon (right plantar fascia strain) as “questionable”. On the other hand, questionable on the Phoenix list makeup through Bradley Beal (right finger sprain) and Jusuf Nurkić (right ankle sprain).

Moreover, Nikola Jokić remains probable for the game because of back pain. Additionally, Michael Porter Jr.’s status will also be evaluated near the 10:00 PM ET tip-off due to illness. Zeke Nnaji remains the only player out of the contest, marking his 5th consecutive absence from the court.

Unless cited out, players can expect a green light near game-time. However, for the Nuggets, the chances remain slim, mostly due to injuries among their starters. Gordon missed the previous game against the Memphis Grizzlies, while Murray has already missed two in a row. Moreover, Jokic missed the game prior to the Grizzlies because of similar reasons.

Beal and Nurkic’s injury came from the Suns’ recent loss to the Spurs. Nurkic sprained his ankle in the third quarter, ending his night early. Beal injured his finger near the final 3 minutes of the close game.

Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets this season

So far, Phoenix and Denver have clashed twice, splitting the season series. The December 1 game saw Denver using their 41-point first quarter to maintain control of the game. Pressurizing the Suns, they recorded 8 steals to force 12 turnovers. As a result, without Devin Booker and Bradley Beal in the lineup, the Suns shot less than 35% from three, losing the game 111-119.

However, the March 5 game saw the Suns stomping the Nuggets through a 117-107 OT road win. The Nuggets began the game with a healthy starting lineup. Meanwhile, the Suns yet again missed Booker. Nevertheless, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Grayson Allen combined for 79 points. Allen shot 8-12 from the three as the Suns connected on 44% of their shots from the range.

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Now, the Nuggets stand at the top in the West, with a one-game separation from OKC. Meanwhile, the Suns, despite radiating a winning flair for the season, are struggling to maintain a bottom standing in the top-8 pool.

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