Suns and Nuggets both missing key players in second preseason game

Had the starters played most of the game for the Phoenix Suns’ win over the Detroit Pistons, the game wouldn’t have been close, even if the Pistons played theirs, too. But they almost blew the near 30-point lead twice.

By halftime, the Suns had both Devin Booker and Kevin Durant on the bench in street clothes. You don’t want those guys playing a ton in the preseason, and the same goes for Bradley Beal. Those guys will be needed for the games that actually matter in the standings.

So, you can assume they wouldn’t play much against the Denver Nuggets, or at all, really.

When the injury report came out on Tuesday morning, we discovered all three stars would sit, which is fine. The Suns are leaning on them in the regular season, and head coach Frank Vogel got a peek of what they could be offensively together on the court, and it’s special.

Other guys will also be out for the game on Phoenix’s side. According to Gerald Bourguet of PHNX, Jordan Goodwin (right hamstring tightness), Ish Wainright (right calf strain), and Damion Lee (right knee meniscus) remain out for the Suns. As we learned from Frank Vogel, Lee will be out for some time.

The Suns aren’t the only team without players on Tuesday or without starters. They are missing some guys, too, because of injury and rest.

According to Harrison Wind of DNVR, the Nuggets could be without star point guard Jamal Murray, who is questionable with a right hamstring tightness, standout wing Christian Braun, who is also questionable with a left calf contusion issue, and Michael Porter Jr., who is out with a left ankle sprain.

Porter Jr. has dealt with injuries his entire career, so it makes sense for him to sit so as not to make anything worse. As for the other two, while they are questionable, the Nuggets could just sit them to be cautious since it is just the preseason.