After a fumble in the beginning, the Phoenix Suns have got it all right this season. Currently sitting on top of the table, the Valley side takes on the defending Conference Champion tonight. In short, they have an opportunity to make their case for the championship. Notably, the Suns’ run so far wasn’t only about Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. It’s also about stories of small sparks, and one such spark is a 21-year-old rookie. Tonight, unfortunately, he is doubtful to lace for the game. Let’s find out more about it in the injury report.
We are talking about the 28th overall pick, Ryan Dunn. This rising star made a bang on entry into the season, deceiving the NBA scouts. The guard scouting reports majorly focused on his perimeter defense and didn’t mention a thing about his shooting ability. Guess what, Dunn surprised everybody with his downtown buckets. It made even JJ Redick say, “Had I known, that Ryan Dunn was a 45% [3-point] shooter, I think our draft board would’ve looked a little bit different.”
Moreover, Ryan Dunn brought out his best this season against the Dallas Mavericks. Notably, he started the game owing to Bradley Beal’s injury absence. Speaking of his efforts that night, Kevin Durant said, “Just love his poise. I love that he’s physical. I like that he’s actually fouling… Confident in shooting three.” However, tonight, playing against the same team, the Suns have listed both Dunn and Bradley Beal in the Questionable category with ankle and elbow injuries, respectively.
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Suns rookie Ryan Dunn (left ankle sprain) DOUBTFUL for Friday’s game at Mavericks.
Made trip to Dallas. #Suns #Mavs
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 7, 2024
With the backcourt singled out on Devin Booker, the Suns will find it difficult to guard Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic despite having Tyus Jones in the lineup. Nevertheless, let’s find out how the shorthanded Suns’ depth stands after the adjustment.
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Phoenix Suns depth chart after Bradley Beal & Ryan Dunn injury update
Last year, the Suns had a huge problem when it came down to protecting their guards. In the initial few games, either Devin Booker or Bradley Beal got injured, and it took quite some time for the Valley fans to witness their Big 3 on the court together. Now, the Suns seemed to have stacked their backcourt with promising talents, especially Tyus Jones. So, the two injured guards won’t really make any change for the side.
Here is the adjusted Suns’ starting lineup and depth chart
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POSITION | STARTING LINE-UP | 2ND UNIT | 3rd UNIT |
PG | Tyus Jones | Monte Morris | – |
SG | Devin Booker | Grayson Allen | – |
SF | Royce O’Neale | Damion Lee | – |
PF | Kevin Durant | Oso Ighodaro | – |
C | Jusuf Nurkic | Mason Plumlee | Bol Bol |
On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks also have a long injury list. PJ Washington, who missed the last game with a knee injury, continues to stay out of the playing roster. Apart from him, Dereck Lively II and Maxi Kleber also don’t make it to full fitness. So, fans can expect a balanced match-up between these two teams. Will the Suns continue to stay on top or will the Mavs break their 6-game winning streak? Let us know in the comments below.
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Can the Suns maintain their top spot without Dunn and Beal against the Mavericks' dynamic duo?
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Can the Suns maintain their top spot without Dunn and Beal against the Mavericks' dynamic duo?
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