Despite an explosive 46-point third quarter led by Jerami Grant, the Portland Trail Blazers collapsed, falling to the San Antonio Spurs 118-116. It was a game that Portland should have won, but alas, they move on to Phoenix on Sunday, taking on the 13-11 Suns with a 5:00 p.m. PST tip-off.
The Blazers are now 8-17 after losing five consecutive games, which is their longest losing streak of the season so far. It helps that they are getting significantly healthier, especially in the frontcourt. But they will have their hands full against Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and company, who they previously lost to 103-97 on Nov. 2.
Blazers injury report vs. Suns on Sunday, Dec. 15
- Matisse Thybulle: Out (right ankle sprain)
- Deandre Ayton: Out (illness)
- Robert Williams III: Questionable (reconditioning)
Donovan Clingan and Duop Reath have been removed from the injury report, as both were available Friday against San Antonio.
Deandre Ayton missed the last game with an illness and has already been ruled out for this contest. Robert Williams III didn't suit up against the Spurs due to "return to competition reconditioning" and is listed as questionable versus the Suns.
Phoenix Suns injury report
- Bradley Beal: Questionable (right knee swelling)
- Collin Gillespie: Out (right ankle fracture)
Bradley Beal missed Friday's contest against the Utah Jazz due to right knee swelling. His status for Sunday is currently up in the air, depending on how much the swelling has gone down.
The Suns previously had several other injuries, including Kevin Durant, Ryan Dunn, Grayson Allen, and Jusuf Nurkic. But they are getting healthier, as KD was the only one of these players listed on the injury report against Utah. He was probable with an ankle sprain and was able to suit up, scoring 30 points in typical fashion, so one would assume that he will play against Portland as well.
Projected starting lineups for Blazers vs. Suns
Trail Blazers starting lineup
- PG: Anfernee Simons
- SG: Shaedon Sharpe
- SF: Toumani Camara
- PF: Jerami Grant
- C: Donovan Clingan
In the last game, the Blazers put Clingan on a minutes restriction, although his 15 minutes were just two less than his average this season. Because of this, they elected to start Jabari Walker. Whether Clingan or Walker will get the start in Phoenix remains to be seen, but this will be updated accordingly.
Suns starting lineup
- PG: Tyus Jones
- SG: Devin Booker
- SF: Royce O'Neale
- PF: Kevin Durant
- C: Jusuf Nurkic
Phoenix's projected starting five depends on Beal's availability. If he does suit up, then Royce O'Neale would go back to a bench role.