The Phoenix Suns are coming off a horrific loss and things aren’t looking too good for the team. Ever since getting acquired by the franchise, Bradley Beal has only played four games. The Suns are supposed to be one of the toughest teams in the league. However, they only rank ninth in the Western Conference with a losing record of 14 wins and 13 losses. It seems as if they’ve experienced quite a downfall lately.
On the contrary, the Sacramento Kings have proven that are capable of becoming an elite team in the West. They have beaten a couple of top-tier teams while compiling a record of 16 wins and 10 losses. They currently rank fourth in the Western Conference, just behind the defending champions this season. The Kings will host the Suns at the Golden 1 Center tonight.
Bradley Beal is not available to start for the Kings vs. Suns game
On Monday, the Suns announced that Bradley Beal will miss two weeks before returning to the court. He suffers from an ankle injury that he endured five minutes into his return game against the New York Knicks. Due to personal reasons, Jusuf Nurkic will not participate with the Suns. Josh Okogie is listed as questionable while Damion Lee will remain sidelined.
As of December 22, 2023, the Kings have only listed three players on the injury list. JaVale McGee is listed as questionable due to right wrist irritation. Malik Monk (foot) has been listed as questionable as well. Alex Len has been practicing with the team and he will most probably return soon.
a celebration fit for 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑲𝒆𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒏 🌊🥳 pic.twitter.com/7fdSbdVAFd
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) December 17, 2023
Sacramento Kings Injury Report:
- JaVale McGee (Questionable)
- Malik Monk (Questionable)
- Alex Len (Out)
Sacramento Kings Expected Lineup:
- De’Aaron Fox
- Kevin Heurter
- Harrison Barnes
- Keegan Murray
- Domantas Sabonis
Phoenix Suns Injury Report:
- Jusuf Turkic (Out)
- Josh Okogie (Out)
- Bradley Beal (Out)
- Damion Lee (Out)
Phoenix Suns Expected Lineup:
- Devin Booker
- Eric Gordon
- Grayson Allen
- Kevin Durant
- Chimezie Metu
Will the Suns defeat the Kings without Bradley Beal in the lineup?
The Suns have the weapons to emerge victorious on the battlefield. However, what they lack is the ability to play effective defense. Additionally, the Suns have to start producing more points besides Booker and Durant taking charge. Having Bradley Beal will not make much of a difference, so hopefully they find a way to prove themselves against the higher-seeded Kings.
Keep working.
📍 @Verizon 5G Performance Center pic.twitter.com/0BeriV1yIt
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 21, 2023
The Kings will have one less problem to worry about since Nurkic is out from the Suns’ lineup tonight. He has been their leading bucket-getter within the paint. It will be a task for the Suns to limit the Kings with their defensive abilities. Fox has been averaging 30 points per game this season. He has been the biggest reason why the Kings have been successful. The Kings are the favorites to win the game.