Tip-Off: 8 PM CT
Location: Phoenix Suns Arena (Phoenix, Arizona)
Television: Fox Sports Oklahoma
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC The Sports Animal
Twitter: Follow @ZacharyLowNBA for live-tweets and discussion during the game
The Oklahoma City Thunder finally picked up another win Monday night as they defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 125-122. Both teams were playing in the second game of a back-to-back, and despite the fact that Portland was the home team, it was the Thunder that played with more energy.
Tonight, the Thunder takes on the Phoenix Suns in the first matchup between Chris Paul and his former OKC squad. Paul is doing a solid job leading the Suns so far, but they are without Devin Booker, so this should make for a great matchup.
Unfortunately for OKC, their primary struggles this season have come in the paint, and Phoenix’s big man Deandre Ayton is a star in the making. So far this season, Ayton is averaging 15.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. Meanwhile, the Thunder is allowing 14.6 second-chance points per game (27th in the NBA). Simply put, if OKC cannot protect the paint, they could be in for a long night.
Projected Starters
Thunder
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Theo Maledon
- SF: Luguentz Dort
- PF: Darius Bazley
- C: Al Horford
Suns
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Mikal Bridges
- SF: Jae Crowder
- PF: Cam Johnson
- C: Deandre Ayton
Injuries
Thunder
- Trevor Ariza is OUT (not with team).
- Josh Hall (health and safety protocols).
- George Hill is QUESTIONABLE (sprained right thumb).
- Ty Jerome is OUT (sprained left ankle).
Suns
- Devin Booker is OUT (strained left hamstring).
- Damian Jones is OUT (health and safety protocols).
- Dario Saric is OUT (health and safety protocols).
Head-to-Head
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder is 29-13 against the Suns (17-4 at home, 12-9 on the road).
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder has won the season series against the Suns 9 times, tied once, and lost twice.
- The Thunder won the season series with the Suns 2-1 a year ago (1-0 at home, 1-1 on the road).