Suns Forced to Change Starting Lineup After Late Scratch

The Suns are utilizing yet another starting unit tonight as the season winds down.

Mar 2, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) watch as Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots a free throw against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

PHOENIX -- The play-in push is rolling along for the Phoenix Suns - as the current 11-seed in the Western Conference is seeking to earn win number 31 on the season in an effort to catch the Dallas Mavericks.

Houston came into the night short-handed, while it appeared that Phoenix would be at full strength before a surprising late scratch about an hour prior to tip-off.

The late addition to the injury report necessitated another starting lineup combination, head coach Mike Budenholzer had to adapt and went with a replacement that made the most sense at the surface.

• Bradley Beal

• Devin Booker

• Kevin Durant

• Royce O'Neale

• Mason Plumlee

Beal is set to return today after missing Monday's contest with what appears to be a calf issue that must be managed the rest of the way.

Booker scored 26 points in the last meeting between Phoenix and Houston - the 4-time All-Star could be in for a tough matchup against Dillon Brooks.

Durant drained seven three-pointers in Monday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and has shot 46.2% from the arc this month.

O'Neale will replace Bol in the starting lineup after the latter started every single game to begin the month.

Starting C Nick Richards was a very late scratch today - as he was ruled out an hour prior to tip-off with ankle soreness - Plumlee will look to play his fifth quality game in a row, this time in a starting role.

Suns-Rockets is set to tip-off shortly after 5 P.M. Arizona time.