The Phoenix Suns (9-7) are taking on the Los Angeles Lakers (10-6) on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. The game will be on TNT, and it’s the second time this season these two teams are meeting. It’s shaping up to be an exciting matchup with two of the Suns’ stars, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, returning from injuries. Both are expected to play after sitting out with left calf strains.
The Suns are coming off a five-day break and are looking to break their five-game losing streak. This game is also important for the NBA Cup standings. Both teams are in West Group B, with the Lakers leading the group (2-0) and the Suns in fourth place (1-1).
Check azcentral for live scores, highlights, and updates during the game!
1st Quarter Recap: Beal and Allen Start Strong
The first quarter ended with the Suns leading 31-25, thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Grayson Allen. Allen and Bradley Beal were on fire, each scoring eight points. Kevin Durant chipped in with five, including the game’s first bucket, and Devin Booker added four.
For the Lakers, Anthony Davis was a force in the paint, scoring 12 points and grabbing five rebounds. LeBron James contributed five points. The game stayed tight, with the lead bouncing back and forth. Phoenix’s biggest lead was six points, while the Lakers led by as many as four. There were four ties and four lead changes in an action-packed quarter.
Starting Lineups
The Suns are rolling with their usual lineup:
- Guards: Tyus Jones and Devin Booker
- Forwards: Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant
- Center: Jusuf Nurkic
The Lakers are starting:
- Guards: Austin Reaves and Cam Reddish
- Forwards: Rui Hachimura and LeBron James
- Center: Anthony Davis
Durant Confident in Suns’ Big 3
Kevin Durant talked about how teams have been focusing on stopping Devin Booker during his and Beal’s absence. He’s confident that strategy won’t work once all three are playing together.
“Teams are trying everything to slow him down,” Durant said. “But with the three of us on the floor, it’s a whole different game.”
Minutes Restrictions for Durant and Beal
Coach Mike Budenholzer confirmed that Durant and Beal will play but will have limited minutes as they ease back into the lineup. Durant, however, joked about wanting to play more.
“I’ll do whatever Coach needs,” Durant said with a smile. “But if he changes his mind, I’m ready to play 48 minutes.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick seemed skeptical, saying, “Minutes restrictions aren’t always set in stone. If it takes more to win, that’s what they’ll do.”
Injury Updates
For the Suns:
- Backup guard Collin Gillespie is out.
For the Lakers:
- Anthony Davis (left foot) is expected to play.
- Bronny James (heel), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), Christian Wood (knee), and Jalen Hood-Schifino (G League) are out.
What to Expect
With stars like Durant, Beal, LeBron, and Davis on the court, this game promises plenty of action and intensity. Can the Suns snap their losing streak, or will the Lakers stay undefeated in group play? Tune in to find out!