The Brooklyn Nets are set to confront the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST, aiming to end their current five-game losing streak. The matchup will take place in Phoenix, where the Suns have demonstrated strong performance, boasting a home record of 14-6.
Brooklyn currently holds a record of 12-32, placing them 13th in the Eastern Conference. Their struggles have been evident, particularly in away games, where they have recorded only six wins against fifteen losses. In close contests, the Nets have managed a 1-2 record in games decided by fewer than four points, highlighting their difficulties in critical moments.
The Suns, sitting sixth in the Western Conference with a record of 27-19, have been effective on both ends of the court. They rank fifth in the NBA with an average of 13.0 offensive rebounds per game, led by Mark Williams, who contributes 3.2 offensive boards per game. As they prepare for the matchup, Phoenix’s shooting percentage stands at 45.9%, slightly lower than the 49.0% they allow opponents to shoot.
With an average of 107.9 points per game, the Nets are scoring 3.9 fewer points than the Suns, who give up 111.8 points on average. This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season, with the Suns having secured a victory in the last encounter on January 20, winning 126-117. Dillon Brooks played a crucial role in that game, scoring 27 points to lead Phoenix to victory.
Key Players to Watch
For the Suns, Collin Gillespie has been a standout performer, averaging 13.4 points and 4.7 assists per game. Grayson Allen has also made an impact, averaging 3.6 made three-pointers over the last ten games. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. has been vital for the Nets, scoring 24.9 points per game and averaging 7.3 rebounds. Egor Demin has been contributing with an average of 2.3 made three-pointers over the same period.
Recent Performance and Injuries
The Suns have experienced a solid run in their last ten games, finishing with a 6-4 record. They have averaged 112.0 points, 44.0 rebounds, and 24.3 assists per game, all while shooting 43.9% from the field. Their opponents have managed to average 108.0 points during this stretch.
Conversely, the Nets have struggled significantly, with a record of 1-9 over their last ten games. They have averaged just 103.3 points, with 40.2 rebounds and 24.9 assists per game, while shooting 42.1% from the field. Opponents have capitalized on their defensive lapses, averaging 118.8 points per game against them.
In terms of injuries, the Suns will be without Jalen Green due to a hamstring issue and Devin Booker, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. The Nets face their own challenges with Haywood Highsmith out with a knee injury, Cam Thomas sidelined with an ankle injury, Nolan Traore out due to illness, and Noah Clowney unavailable with a back issue.
As the Nets look to reclaim their competitive edge, this game against the Suns presents a crucial opportunity to reverse their recent fortunes.
