The Phoenix Suns had one good chance to come out good against the wounded Lakers, but that too slipped out of their hand. With 31-37 this season, Mike Budenholzer’s men are in desperate need of a miracle. Despite boasting Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in their lineup, it doesn’t seem that Budenholzer can catch a break this season. They sit 11th in the West with a 4-6 record in the last 10. Ironically, their next opponent has a 6-4 record in the last 10 while sitting in the same position in the East. So this might give a bit of hope, as they both come out with 1 loss each. But the big worry in such back-to-backs is, will the Suns be able to deploy their best bet?

However, the worry is not just for the Suns. Similar to the standings, the Raptors need a miracle to save their season as well. But even so- they don’t look good enough to make it through the play-ins and into the playoffs. Their numbers look even worse than Kevin Durrant’s side. So this game means everything for the Valley, who are just 1.5 games away from that vital 10th position. So can Devin Booker and Co. push the Raptors even further, or do they have something to worry about with their stressed side?

Suns injury report ahead of Raptors clash

Without a doubt, Kevin Durant is the best that the Suns have, and no matter how bad the season has been going, he knows to shut the haters up. With an average of 26.6 points and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 52.5% from the field every game, Durant’s presence gives the Suns the confidence to get back to the winning ways. And the good news for the Valley fans is that Kevin Durant is expected to play against the Raptors. But is that enough for the troubled side?

They need the leader of the pack by their side too! And honestly, if there ever was a captain in basketball, you just know Devin Booker would be the poster boy. He’s led by example during the entire decade he’s played for Phoenix. And now at 28, D-Book is carrying the team with all he can. He’s averaging 25.7 PPG and 7 APG while shooting 45.6% from the field. He’s played in 62 regular season games this season. But having the leader on the court will play to their benefit. Though the official report is yet to get out, you can count he’s fit to play for the Suns tonight. Even though they have their best duo fit, there’s a concern over another, Bradley Beal.

Phoenix’s last game vs the Lakers saw star guard Bradley Beal exit the game prematurely. And that is not something that will keep the Suns cheerful. He suffered a left hamstring soreness in the second quarter and didn’t return to the game. Beal played for just 15 minutes, shooting just 2-6 with 4 points and 2 rebounds. Given the condition, it might be too much to expect Coach Mike will play him against the Raptors. Also, in the post-game press conference after the Lakers game, when asked about Beal’s availability, he said, “I have no idea you know we’ll have to see um you know, again.” So, a final update can only be expected once the team releases the injury report before the game. But there’s more on the injury list.

The only two other presences on the injury list are guards: Monte Morris and Grayson Allen. The duo was out in the game against the Lakers and is likely to stay away as there’s no hint. Morris is dealing with a back injury, while Allen is dealing with foot discomfort. So for the Phoenix Suns to put on their best show, they need to go all out with all they have as hopes still stay with the Booker-Durant duo, not willing to let things go out of hand in two back-to-back clashes. So what will be the line up for Mike’s men?

Suns predicted lineup ahead of Raptors clash

The Suns HC has a bit of thinking to do. If the Big Panda wasn’t attending the full practice on Monday, including him in the lineup would be a bit of a risk for his long-term fitness. But this is when they need him the most. The Raptors aren’t as tough as the Lakers (but do not write them off easily either), so giving him a bit of rest is what seems to be on the cards. On that note, this is their predicted lineup for the Raptors game:

Bradley Beal confirmed for the lineup would’ve completed the triple threat for the Suns at the Footprint Center tonight. But with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker fit to play, they have all the firepower they need to get it over the line and take the revenge of the last game they had against the Raptors. Who do you think will win tonight?