What was initially hailed as a game-changing blockbuster deal has turned into a waiting game, with no sign of its impact on the basketball court. The Phoenix Suns are having their depth tested very early in the season without two of their star players. Although they were off to a red-hot start with a win against the Golden State Warriors, they soon went ice-cold due to injuries to two of their star players.

In the most recent matchup, the Suns blew a 20-point lead, dismantled at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs. This marked the Spurs’ first victory in their last ten outings against Phoenix.

However, the Suns will have a shot at redemption when they host the Spurs in a rematch tonight to end their three-game home stand at Footprint Center. Will Devin Booker and Bradley Beal suit up to help Kevin Durant avenge the nail-biting 115-114 defeat?

Will Devin Booker and Bradley Beal play against Victor Wembanyama?

Although Bradley Beal’s trade to Phoenix made them one of the most formidable forces in the West, the Suns have yet to fully harness the benefits of this powerhouse addition. Beal is yet to make his season debut with the Suns after missing four straight games this season.

Moreover, what is more concerning for the Suns faithful is that there is no timeline for his return. Therefore, Valley fans might have to wait longer to see the Suns ‘Big 3’ in action. Plus, it’s not just Beal who has fallen prey to the injury bug. Devin Booker, too, has been suffering from recurring injuries this season. After leading the Suns to their first victory with a stellar 32-point performance, he sustained a left ankle sprain that sidelined him for three straight contests.

Much to fan’s dismay, the Suns will face Victor Wembanayama and Co. without Beal and Booker. As per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, Booker (toe) is questionable for tonight’s tilt. Meanwhile, Bradley Beal is out due to back spasms that have been troubling him since the preseason fixtures. As per Suns coach Frank Vogel, there is “no real timetable” for Booker or guard Bradley Beal to return from injury.

On a positive note, both players have been doing light workouts and might return sooner than expected. The Spurs injury report is currently blank, and they are expected to field a healthy roster tonight.

What went wrong in the Suns’ recent loss to the Spurs?

In Beal and Booker’s absence, Durant has been shouldering the responsibility to lead the team to victory. Although he has had help coming in from Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Okogie, and Grayson Allen, it is not enough to match Beal and Booker’s production. A prime example is their recent meltdown against the Spurs.

The Suns were off to a strong start with a 27-18 lead, and they maintained the lead until the fourth quarter. However, the tide turned when Keldon Johnson delivered the game-winner with 1.2 seconds left after stealing the ball from Kevin Durant in a trap. Despite shooting 50.6 percent from the field, including 18-for-39 (46.2%) from three, the Suns were outscored 56-40 in the paint. Furthermore, their 19 turnovers proved to be a costly Achilles’ heel, adding to their woes.

The Spurs, who were coming off a 40-point loss to the LA Clippers, will be looking forward to spill more blood. However, since the wound from the loss is still fresh, we can expect an increase in production from the Suns. What are your predictions for tonight’s game? Let us know in the comments!

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