New York Knicks at Phoenix Suns Preview: How, Who to Watch As Knicks Face New Suns Trio

The New York Knicks will continue their five-game road trip with a visit to face the Phoenix Suns' new big three featuring Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant.

Julius Randle moved up in the New York Knicks' record books on Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz, but it wasn't enough to avoid the team's most disappointing loss of the season so far.

Randle's scored 32 points and moved into fourth place on the Knicks' all-time three-point list but that wasn't enough to avoid a 117-113 defeat at the hands of the hapless Jazz on Wednesday. It was the first game of a five-part road trip for New York, which now closes December with matchups against nine teams with winning records, including the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. 

Phoenix finally got to play a game with its newly installed "big three" of Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant on Wednesday night but dropped a 116-112 decision to the Brooklyn Nets. Friday serves as the penultimate showing of a five-game homestand for the Suns, who have dropped four of their past six.

This will close out the yearly pair between the Knicks and Suns this season, with the latter prevailing by a 116-113 final on Nov. 26 at Madison Square Garden thanks to a last-second three-pointer from Booker. The two teams split last season's pair, as the Knicks' win snapped a nine-game losing streak against Phoenix.

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What: New York Knicks (13-10) @ Phoenix Suns (13-11)

Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ

When/Watch: Friday, 10 p.m. ET, MSG

Who's Favored: PHX -5.5

Keep An Eye On: Immanuel Quickley

New York's recent slump, which has seen them drop three of four, has come in part to late-game shortcomings, but also can be attributed to a hobbled roster. Already without Mitchell Robinson, New York had to navigate its Monday game against the Toronto Raptors without Quickley as well. 

The fourth-year shooting guard has been a bright spot for the Knicks this season, and now that he's back healthy and ready to play, he'll certainly come in handy. Last time against the Suns, Quickley was the third double-digit scorer alongside Randle and Jalen Brunson, shooting efficiently from free-throw range and from deep. 

If he can have a similar impact on a game against the same opponent, New York will certainly be granted a boost, especially if more than three players cross the double-digit mark offensively. Without Quickley in the lineup on Monday, the Knicks needed six players to hit at least 10 to hold off the Raptors by a 136-130 final. 

The Knicks could only watch as Booker put up a game-winning three in their last meeting on Nov. 26 / Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY SPORTS

Sun(s) to Watch: Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker

Friday night will mark just the second time that Phoenix's big three of Durant, Beal, and Booker will grace the hardwood simultaneously this season. Beal had played just three games before the Suns' contest against the Nets Wednesday night due to a back strain. 

But the Suns had some big adjustments to make upon Beal's arrival and the early lack of chemistry cost them against Brooklyn. Despite the loss, the three superstars combined for 75 points alone in their last outing, so finding a groove won't be difficult. 

Whether the Knicks can keep them at bay will be the ultimate factor in picking up a vital victory against a contender.  

They Said It:

“Just whatever minutes you get, go out there and be effective. Whatever minutes I get — whether (it's) 15, 20, 25. I played 55 [in an overtime game] last season. Whatever minutes I get, go out there and help the team win.” - Quickley after returning to the Knicks' lineup with limited minutes, via Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.

Prediction:

New York needs a win Friday night to get back in a groove and build some momentum as a dangerous road trip continues. Beating Phoenix is an entirely feasible, bona fide way to do so, and the Knicks know it. 

With a healthy Quickley back, an ever-impressive Brunson ready to lead the charge, and an in-rhythm Randle, New York has a strong shot to pull out a victory, especially with the Suns still figuring out how to utilize their big three.

Knicks 116, Suns 105

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