With Kevin Durant sidelined because of an ankle injury, the Phoenix Suns face a challenging matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday. Durant’s absence could significantly impact the Suns, who are looking to break a three-game road losing streak. The Pelicans, despite sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, remain a potential threat, given the Suns’ struggles without their star forward. This game will test Phoenix’s depth and adaptability against a team that, too, has been plagued by injuries this season.

Injury Report and Depth Charts

The Suns enter this contest with key players sidelined. Kevin Durant suffered an ankle sprain during his game against the Spurs, and will be re-evaluated in a week. Forward Ryan Dunn is dealing with left ankle soreness and is listed as day-to-day. Center Jusuf Nurkić is also out of his previous game because of a right thigh contusion.  The Suns’ depth chart highlights reliance on Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Grayson Allen to step up in Durant’s absence.

The injury list is extensive on the Pelicans side. Zion Williamson (hamstring) and Brandon Ingram (calf) headline the absences, with both players key contributors to the team’s offensive output. Small forward Herbert Jones (shoulder) and point guard Jose Alvarado (hamstring) are also ruled out. While Yves Missi (ankle) and Jordan Hawkins (back) are on day-to-day statuses, the Pelicans’ already thin lineup leaves them heavily reliant on CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III to carry the load.

Can the Suns Exploit Pelicans Struggles without Durant?

Kevin Durant’s absence is a major issue for the Suns. This season, Phoenix is 1-6 without Durant, emphasizing their reliance on his scoring and leadership. Durant’s 30.3 points per game on 51% shooting have been pivotal to Phoenix’s success, particularly in close contests. In his absence, Bradley Beal, averaging 17.5 points per game, is expected to shoulder more offensive responsibility. Beal has shown promise in similar situations, scoring 28 and 24 points in recent games without Durant, but sustaining this performance over an extended period remains a challenge.

The Pelicans are grappling with their injury woes. Zion Williamson’s continued absence has derailed their offensive rhythm, leaving the team to average just 103.3 points per game, the lowest in the league. Brandon Ingram’s uncertainty further restricts their scoring options. CJ McCollum, who has been consistent with his playmaking and shooting, now carries an even heavier burden, especially against a Suns defense ranked fourth in defensive rebounds per game.

Both teams enter Thursday’s contest with significant challenges. For Phoenix, the absence of Kevin Durant raises questions about their ability to maintain offensive momentum and defensive stability. Meanwhile, New Orleans’ injury-ridden roster continues to struggle, with the team posting a 1-9 record in their last ten games. The Suns have the statistical edge, averaging 112.7 points per game compared to the Pelicans’ 103.3, but the question remains – Can the Phoenix maintain this advantage without their cornerstone player?