The Phoenix Suns enter their short, four game preseason with multiple injuries. Because of this misfortune, it will give other players opportunities to shine and allow Monty Williams to experiment with his lineups against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.
It’s here! The start of the Phoenix Suns’ season. Well, sort of.
The Suns take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first of four preseason games on Tuesday at Talking Stick Arena at 7:00 p.m. You can stream the game (as well as regular season games) via Fubo.tv.
While this game’s outcome will not go into the record books, there are still plenty of important aspects the team can take from it, and things you can look for.
The theme going into this game is injuries.
Head coach Monty Williams talked to reporters and gave a handful of updates. He ruled out Mikal Bridges and Kelly Oubre Jr. from Tuesday’s match up, and although he claimed Aron Baynes is day to day and dying to get back out there, expect the team to proceed with similar caution and keep the big Aussie on the bench.
Don’t expect to see David Kramer either, although, injured or not, he wasn’t likely to see much playing time anyway.
Here are a few things to watch, considering the disproportionate amount of players that will be wearing street clothes Tuesday night:
The starting five will be unique
Assuming these injuries won’t linger into the regular season, don’t expect the starting five you see on Tuesday to be set in stone. However, there is a good chance you will see Ricky Rubio, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Dario Šarić, and Cameron Johnson walk onto the floor for the tip.
That’s right. Rookie Cameron Johnson will likely start at the 3 spot, where he spent time in training camp and open practice. Monty Williams stated he has done well with the first team, most surprisingly on the defensive end, and hinted he will round out the starting five against Minnesota.
The two staples of the team, Devin Booker and Ricky Rubio won’t need to worry about the starting lineup. Despite who starts alongside them, look for the two stars to work on their on-court chemistry early and often.
More playing time for reserves
Benched rotation players give way to more minutes for the rest of the team. Look for Cheick Diallo to see the floor more than he otherwise would have along with Frank Kaminsky.
These guys are right on the fringe of the 10 man rotation Coach Williams would like to implement, so maximizing their time when it is available will be important for them moving forward.
There are three players, David Kramer, Norense Odiase, and Tariq Owens, vying for the Phoenix Suns’ final two-way contract. Time is running out, so Kramer’s injury significantly hurts his chances. Look for the two former Texas Tech Red Raiders to come into the game going 110% as they show what they can do in live-game situations.
Monty Williams will try different combinations
Injuries will also give the Phoenix Suns head coach a chance to experiment with combinations, even stating he may go with a three guard lineup at times, or if the situation warranted it, a four guard lineup.
Even if there isn’t a unique lineup, you can expect to see players playing different positions. I already mentioned Cam Johnson will get a lot of time at the 3, but look for others, maybe someone like Tyler Johnson to slide into that roll as well.
It is all in an effort to find the group that gives the team the best opportunity for success.
Injuries or not, this team must be pumped to play against guys other than themselves, and fans must be excited to watch something besides practice and dance offs.
Both will get their chance Tuesday evening.