Preview 15 of 82: Thunder @ Suns
Time: 8:00 PM CST
TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma
The Oklahoma City Thunder (9-5) are back in action on the road tonight, taking on Devin Booker and the Suns (3-11) at Talking Stick Arena in downtown Phoenix. The Thunder have won nine of their last 10 games, while the Suns are currently in last place in the Western Conference. The two teams squared off on November 12 in OKC, with the Thunder taking a 118-110 victory behind 32 points from Paul George.
Tip-off is at 7:00 P.M. CST and will be televised on Fox Sports Oklahoma. The Thunder are six-point road favorites according to Odds Shark.
Injury Report
Thunder:
- Russell Westbrook: Questionable — Ankle
- Andre Roberson: Out — Knee
Suns:
- N/A
Probable Starters
Suns: Isaiah Canaan, Devin Booker, Trevor Ariza, TJ Warren, DeAndre Ayton
What to Watch For
Return of Westbrook?: Russell Westbrook participated in practice yesterday — including the contact portions. He’s considered a game-time decision tonight in Phoenix after missing the last five games with a sprained left ankle.
Big Kiwi: Steven Adams has been an absolute monster to start the 2018-19 season — including an 18-point, 7-rebound, 2-block performance against the Suns on November 12. He had his way with rookie Deandre Ayton, and should be able to do the same in this one.
PG13: Paul George has averaged 32.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists over his last two games, looking rejuvenated and converting on his attempts from downtown. His usage will naturally dip if Westbrook makes his return, but if the shooting efficiency continues, he should enjoy more open looks than he’s seen without the former MVP.
Devin Booker: Devin Booker struggled against the Thunder on November 12, scoring 19 points while being harassed by Paul George for most of the evening. He’s always capable of exploding for huge nights on offense, so the defensive effort on him will need to mirror the last one.
