WHO: Golden State Warriors (12-6) @ Phoenix Suns (10-8)

When: 7:00 p.m. Arizona time

Where: Footprint Center – Phoenix, Arizona

Regard: 3TV & Arizona’s Family Sports

Hear: KMVP 98.7

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Patience continues to be tested following the Phoenix Suns’ loss to the undermanned Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. After a stunning win against the Los Angeles Lakers the night before, everything seemed to be back to normal in the Valley. But less than 24 hours later, the Suns disappointed again.

It is becoming apparent that it will be a challenging season both on and off the pitch. Suns center Jusuf Nurkic’s recent comments pointing to criticism from fans suggest that the relationship between the players and their fans is strained.

Nurkic’s recent comments make it clear that some of the Suns’ players are still somewhat vulnerable and their concentration occasionally deviates from where it should be…on the court. There’s no denying this: this is an ongoing problem and changes are needed to get things back on track.

With the Warriors on a three-game losing streak, the Suns have a chance to gain some ground in the standings by handing them their fourth loss.

Starting lineups

Injury report

Suns

• Collin Gillespie – OUT (ankle)
• Bradley Beal – DAY-TO-DAY (Calf)
• Jusuf Nurkic – DAY-TO-DAY (ankle)

warrior

• Jonathan Kuminga – DAY-TO-DAY (illness)
• Andrew Wiggins – DAY-TO-DAY (ankle)
• Gary Payton II – DAY-TO-DAY (adductors)
• Steph Curry – DAY-TO-DAY (knee)
• De’Anthony Melton – OUT (ACL)

Uniform matchup

What you should pay attention to

Royce and Grayson

Entering his seventh NBA season, Grayson Allen is recording his lowest three-point shooting percentage since his rookie year at just 34%. As a result, he has become something of a scapegoat for the Suns. Much like the annual trade deadline scrutiny surrounding LeBron James’ teams, where a single player is often to blame, Allen is in the spotlight for Phoenix.

Since the Warriors have an impressive bench, Allen will have to rise to the challenge. After scoring under 10 points in his last three games, the Suns will likely need a 15-20 point performance from him tonight to remain competitive. It’s not just Allen’s fault, though – Royce O’Neale also needs to step up his game to give the Suns a fighting chance.

Over the last three games, Royce O’Neale has been a bright spot for the Suns, shooting 50% from distance and helping to fill the void left by Grayson Allen’s bench woes. O’Neale needs to maintain that consistency, at least until the Suns can break their three-game losing streak.

With both O’Neale and Allen unable to play from distance, the Suns face ongoing challenges this season – especially with Bradley Beal sidelined due to injury. The continuity of their supporting cast is key to remaining competitive.

Warrior bench

The Warriors bring the league’s most efficient bench to the Valley and boast the league’s best offensive rating of 67.2 and average 52.2 points per game. That bench firepower will be a key factor in the Warriors’ strategy to take control of the Suns early.

The big question: Can the Suns rise to the challenge? And will coach Budenholzer consider adding more depth to his bench if the situation gets out of hand like it did in the defeat on Wednesday evening?

The Suns’ bench, which ranks 27th in the league with an offensive rating of 51.2, will need to step up to keep the game competitive. Tonight their depth and resilience will be tested.

forecast

I’m still not completely sold on this team, but I still expect the Suns to win tonight: 119-115. It’s shaping up to be a really good game and maybe that’s the spark they need to turn things around.