The Phoenix Suns will be facing the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at the Footprint Center. Regular season basketball is back after an eventful round of the NBA In-Season Tournament. It must be mentioned that the Timberwolves are coming off a win against the Golden State Warriors.
For some context, Draymond Green, Klay Thomspon, and Jaden McDaniels were ejected even before the first bucket. Draymond’s chokehold on Rudy Gobert sparked huge controversy, and many have turned against the Warriors superstar after a violent act. However, there was no serious injury to Gobert, and he looks fit to face the Phoenix Suns tonight.
Speaking of injuries, the Suns have not had much luck in recent weeks. They have not lined up their big three of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal together this season. Beal suffered multiple injuries right away, as did Booker. However, it looks like Suns fans could be receiving some good news today.
Devin Booker will play in the Phoenix Suns vs Minnesota Timberwolves game tonight
Booker has only played two games so far this season. The last time he set foot on the court was against the San Antonio Spurs, on November 2. He will be returning from a right calf sprain tonight. Moreover, it will be the first NBA regular season game where Booker will feature alongside KD and Beal.
Suns Big 3 of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal will make their regular season debut together tonight in Phoenix vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves. pic.twitter.com/qqqwbkLF4k
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 15, 2023
Eric Gordon and Damion Lee remain on the Suns’ injury report. They will be on the sidelines because of shoulder and knee injuries respectively.
Phoenix Suns injury report
- Eric Gordon (out)
- Damion Lee (out)
Phoenix Suns expected roster
- Kevin Durant
- Bradley Beal
- Devin Booker
- Jusuf Nurkić
- Grayson Allen
Minnesota Timberwolves injury report
- Jordan McLaughlin (out)
- Jaylen Clark (out)
Minnesota Timberwolves expected roster
- Anthony Edwards
- Rudy Gobert
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Mike Conley Jr.
- Jaden McDaniels
Can the Suns’ big three take down the in-form Timberwolves?
The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, are one of the best teams in the NBA right now. They have a record of 8-2 so far, and are undoubtedly one of the best defensive teams right now. Breaking them apart will surely be a big task for the Suns big three, especially since this will be their first time playing together in the NBA.
Despite this, it can be predicted that the Suns can take the win. They have quite the balanced roster, especially with Jusuf Nurkić and Grayson Allen supporting the big three. It must be mentioned that KD and Beal have also been in decent form in Booker’s absence.
The last time these two teams faced each other was in March 2023. The Suns won the game 100-107, thanks to a solid 29-point game from Booker. Moreover, the young superstar averages 24.1 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds against the Wolves in his career. That surely holds some credibility, and it can be predicted that Booker tends to perform well against them regularly.