The New York Knicks started their road trip with a loss to the Jazz, making the next three games look more daunting. New York's next stop is in Phoenix to take on the Suns on Friday night.
The Knicks are 0-1 against the Suns this season, as they lost 116-113 at the Garden on Nov. 26. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal missed that game, but that didn't matter. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 28 points, including the game-winning three with 1.7 seconds left.
Durant and Beal are expected to play against New York this go-round, making this matchup much more challenging for the Knicks. With no Mitchell Robinson, New York will need Jericho Sims and Isaiah Hartenstein to step up as Jusuf Nurkic is nearly averaging a double-double with 12.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
Kevin Durant's status for tonight's game vs. Knicks
Kevin Durant recently missed a week with an ankle injury but returned to the lineup on Wednesday against Brooklyn. He isn't listed on Phoenix's injury report.
Taj Gibson's status for tonight's game vs. Suns
New York signed Taj Gibson to a one-year deal on Wednesday. The team officially announced the deal on Friday morning. Gibson is with the team in Phoenix but won't be part of the rotation.
Taj Gibson won’t start in the rotation.
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) December 16, 2023
“We’re good with the rotation right now,” Thibodeau said.
Bradley Beal's status for tonight's game vs. Knicks
Bradley Beal has played in only five games for the Suns this season because of a back injury, but he returned to the lineup earlier this week after missing a month. He isn't listed on Phoenix's injury report.
Projected starting lineups tonight
New York: Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Jericho Sims
Phoenix: Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, Chimezie Metu, Jusuf Nurkic
Knicks injury report
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is out.
Suns injury report
Eric Gordon (lower leg) and Grayson Allen (groin) are questionable. Josh Okogie (hip) and Damion Lee (knee) are out.
UPDATE: Eric Gordon is out. Grayson Allen is available.
New York's next five opponents
New York will head to California for two games before returning to the city to play Brooklyn.
Dec. 16 at Clippers
Dec. 18 at Lakers
Dec. 20 at Brooklyn
Dec. 23 vs. Milwaukee
Dec. 25 vs. Milwaukee