Dec 15, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Here is what we are seeing at Footprint Center before the Phoenix Suns take on the New York Knicks at 8 p.m. MST:
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Injury report
- Bradley Beal (Left Calf Strain), Kevin Durant (Left Calf Strain) and Collin Gillespie (Right Ankle Sprain) are inactive, but Jusuf Nurkić (Left Ankle Sprain) is healthy and ready to go, according to Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer. Missing his second game of the season, Nurkić was sidelined for the 109-99 loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday.
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Precious Achiuwa (Left Hamstring Strain), Miles McBride (Left Knee Inflammation) and Mitchell Robinson (Left Ankle Surgery) are all out for the Knicks. McBride has been out for the past three games while both Achiuwa and Robinson haven’t played at all this season.
Pregame quotes:
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer:
On Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns: “He’s just a very skilled, very talented player. His ability to shoot from 3-point range is pretty unique. He’s an elite shooting big and then he could play in the post, score, pass. He’s just a really gifted offensive player. He and (Jalen) Brunson together in the pick-and-roll, they’re very effective, they’re very good.”
On how the Suns’ five-day break will help Durant and Beal’s rehab processes: “I think both of them are putting great work in. They’re both making good progress. We feel good about what they’re doing with the medical team and a five-day break is very strange, but in this case, when you’re talking about Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant, maybe it’s a chance to have them heal, recover and be available sooner. It could be a blessing or silver lining for the five days.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau:
On what it is like to coach former Suns fan-favorite Mikal Bridges: “The ability to guard multiple positions, to guard the ball really well. He allows us to do a lot of switching. We have versatility with our wings with OG (Anunoby) and Josh (Hart), so that’s been really good. I think he’s going through an adjustment. Each game has gotten better and better. I think he’s finding himself. He’s playing pretty well right now.”
On former Suns guard Cameron Payne competing for his spot on the team: “That’s really the beauty of the NBA. It really doesn’t matter who you are, whether you’re a rookie, five-year player, 10-year player, or whether you’ve been an All-Star every year, you have to prove yourself. Every game you have to prove yourself. If you love competition, that’s what makes it so great. We have a bunch of competitors. I think all the things that Cam has been through have helped him and he’s responded to whatever adversity has come his way. He’s always found a way to get above it, and now he’s established himself as a really good player in this league. So, he’s brought a lot to our team.”
Starting lineups
Pregame media
Suns reveal status of Jusuf Nurkić against Knicks
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Mercury, Suns and ASU Athletics for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
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