What To Expect In First Phoenix Suns-Cleveland Cavaliers Matchup
Last night, the Cleveland Cavaliers suffered their second loss in three games with a 120-101 defeat to the Brooklyn Nets.
Tonight, the Wine and Gold will conclude a three-game homestand when they face the Phoenix Suns.
Here are four things to expect in the first of two matchups between these two teams this regular season.
1. A Limited Cavaliers Rotation
According to the NBA’s 6:30 p.m. ET Injury Report, the Cavaliers will again be without six players.
These players include starters Donovan Mitchell (left knee bone bruise), Evan Mobley (left ankle sprain), and Max Strus (right knee strain).
2. Niang In A Groove
Last night, Cleveland forward Georges Niang recorded his second 20-point game of the season.
In his fourth start of the season, he scored a team-high 20 points, shooting 8-for-12 (75%) from the field and 3-for-5 (60%) from beyond the arc.
The 30-year-old is averaging 13.5 points per game in starts this season, and will be in the Wine and Gold’s starting lineup again tonight.
Mar 6, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) is defended by Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) in the second quarter at State Farm Arena.
© Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
3. Durant Driving Phoenix’s Offense
In his 16th NBA season, Suns forward Kevin Durant still remains one of the league’s premier scorers.
The 35-year-old is averaging 28.3 points per game this season, which ranks fifth in the NBA. In Phoenix’s last game two nights ago, he scored a season-high 45 points, shooting an efficient 18-for-26 (69.2%) from the field and 4-for-7 (57.1%) from deep.
4. Suns Efficient From Three-Point Range
The Suns are shooting 37.6% from three-point range this season, which ranks seventh in the NBA.
Guard Grayson Allen leads the way for Phoenix from beyond the arc, as his 47.0% clip from deep leads the NBA. He is also averaging 2.7 three-pointers made per game this season.
