Suns Face Uphill Battle Against Nuggets Without Durant and Beal

The Phoenix Suns are set to face the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Footprint Center, but they’ll do so without two of their star players: Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Durant is sidelined due to a left ankle sprain, while Beal is dealing with left great toe soreness.

Injury Updates and Team Impact

Durant’s absence marks his third consecutive game missed, following an injury sustained during a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Prior to this stretch, Durant had been averaging 26.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.

Beal, who has missed 14 games this season due to various injuries, including elbow, calf, knee, hip, and ankle issues, has been a consistent contributor when healthy, averaging 17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.

Additionally, Grayson Allen, who played a pivotal role in the Suns’ recent overtime victory over the Utah Jazz, is also unavailable due to left knee soreness. Allen’s absence further depletes the Suns’ roster, leaving them with limited options against a formidable Nuggets team.

Nuggets’ Status

The Denver Nuggets, led by reigning three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, are also contending with injuries. Jamal Murray is listed as questionable due to left knee inflammation, and Michael Porter Jr. is questionable with left hamstring tightness. Aaron Gordon is probable with a right calf injury. Despite these concerns, the Nuggets have been on a strong run, winning five consecutive games and positioning themselves as the third seed in the Western Conference.

The Suns are coming off an emotional overtime win against the Utah Jazz, where Devin Booker scored a season-high 47 points, and Grayson Allen hit a buzzer-beater to force overtime. However, with the absence of Durant, Beal, and Allen, the Suns will need significant contributions from Booker and other role players to compete effectively against the Nuggets. The Nuggets’ well-organized, high-movement offense, spearheaded by Jokić, presents a formidable challenge. Success for the Suns may require hitting at least 20 three-pointers to counter Denver’s offensive strength.

The Suns’ depleted roster faces a significant challenge against the Nuggets. While the team has shown resilience in the past, the absence of key players like Durant and Beal will test their depth and adaptability. Fans can anticipate a closely contested game, with the Suns aiming to leverage their home-court advantage and the leadership of Devin Booker to overcome the Nuggets’ formidable lineup.