Game Preview: Suns Visit Warriors on Opening Night

The Phoenix Suns' regular season tips off tonight - what are some things to look for?

The 2023-24 Phoenix Suns regular season is upon us. Nearly six months since their disappointing exit at the hand of the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix looks to rise from the ashes and redeem themselves. 

They open up play in the Bay Area, playing the dynastic Golden State Warriors in a marquee opening-day slate. 

Kevin Durant is making his official return to the Bay Area for the first time since fans have been allowed to attend games once again. Draymond Green will be sitting out for Golden State with a sprained ankle. 

The Athletic's Shams Charania reported this morning that Suns star Bradley Beal will likely miss tonight's tilt while Devin Booker told AZ Central's Duane Rankin he would play. 

What are some other things to focus on past some of the most compelling headlines?

Who Will Replace Beal in Starting Lineup?

Bradley Beal will be out tonight for Phoenix's season opener - who will replace him? / Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Okogie is already presumed to be the fifth starter in lineups built around everyone being available. This likely won't be the case tonight, however, with the news of Beal's likely inactivity tonight. Devin Booker is also considered "50-50" to participate in the game, but we will assume he plays for simplicity. 

Who will be Beal's replacement tonight? The answer is a clear two-man discussion between Eric Gordon and Grayson Allen. Both are prolific shooters that can at the very least offer some switchability on defense. 

Conventional wisdom would tell Suns fans that Gordon likely gets the nod as a starter tonight especially due to his experience and track record playing the Warriors. 

This isn't an easy decision for Vogel and co, as Beal's likely absence murks what already appeared to be a set rotation and set lineups going into game one. Here's to hoping the Suns' staff can show adaptability and make the right adjustments to make up for these unfortunate circumstances. 

What Will Chris Paul's Role be for Warriors?

Former Phoenix Suns PG Chris Paul faces his old team to begin the new year. 

Chris Paul will be making his team debut for the Suns' rivals tonight. The basketball world largely assumed that Paul would inherit a sixth-man role under Steve Kerr's tutelage, but it appears as if he'll be a starter for the Warriors.

The looming question tonight is how much will he play? What will his overarching role be? Will Kerr lean into his familiarity with Booker/Durant and give him lots of run? Will his minutes be staggered with various bench units? Will Kerr utilize a big lineup comprising of Kuminga-Wiggins-Looney to combat the Suns' firepower?

This will be an extremely interesting development to follow.

Will Beal's Absence Give Unheralded Suns Player an Opportunity?

Chimezie Metu could make an impact tonight. 

Beal is expected to miss tonight's game, as previously mentioned. Coach Vogel may need to look deeper into the bench earlier than expected now to fill the absence. Fortunately, James Jones seems to have built out a bench loaded with capable NBA talent that was undervalued elsewhere. 

Chimezie Metu is one of those players. A little-utilized player in San Antonio and Sacramento, Metu has impressed for Phoenix during training camp and preseason.

Vogel has already lauded Metu's play and alluded to the idea of giving the forward some run as a small-ball five. 

Will Beal's unfortunate back injury allow Metu to prove he belongs in the rotation? We shall see.

How Will Suns Defense Look Against Potent Warriors Offense?

Josh Okogie will be relied on as a defensive stop-gap tonight against a tough Warriors offense.  / Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Warriors come into the season with a still-explosive offense despite missing Draymond Green. Curry is obviously one of the most unstoppable scorers the league has ever seen. Andrew Wiggins is capable of scoring 20 any given night. Chris Paul is still a premier playmaker in this league. Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga are expected to make strides. 

How will coach Vogel attack the offense? Vogel is known for adaptability on the run, especially on defense. Will he throw multiple looks at the Warriors early to try to throw them off kilter? Will he stay true to his game plan regardless?

How will the personnel of versatile defenders that aren't entirely seen as good on that end by national pundits respond?

These questions will be answered tonight, when the game between the Suns and Warriors is expected to tip off at 7 Arizona time exclusively on TNT.