A pair of Western Conference teams Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder will be squaring off in the Monday afternoon game of American Basketball League 2019-20.
Team preview
Oklahoma City are fresh after winning a home game by 121-103 against Washington on Sunday afternoon. City led by nine after one quarter and by 16 at the half to ensure an easy win. Darius Bazley played a vital role for Oklahoma by scoring 23 points off the bench. Oklahoma City secured fifth spots in the standings, winning 42 games out of 68. The Thunder has won the last eight meetings against their Monday rivals, including two this season. In the previous meeting, they clinched the game back in January this year.
Meanwhile, Phoenix knocked off Miami by 119-112 on Saturday night in an away fixture to stay unbeaten in the bubble. Phoenix was trailing by seven points after one quarter and held a two-point advantage after the third quarter to make it seven after the final quarter. Devin Booker paced Suns by scoring 35 points and six assists in the win. Prior to this game, they also defeated Indiana Pacers by a good margin of 114-98. Their winning streak is now six and they are entering as favorites at HP Field House.
Starting Lineups
Phoenix Suns: Skylar Diggins-Smith(PG), Bria Hartley(SG), Diana Taurasi(SF), Shatori Walker-Kimbrough(PF), Sophie Cunningham(C)
Oklahoma City Thunder: Chris Paul (PG), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SG), Hamidou Diallo (SF), Steven Adams (PF), Danilo Gallinari (C)
Key Players
Phoenix Suns
- Devin Booker (SG): 26.4 points, 6.6 assists
- Deandre Ayton (C): 18.9 points, 11.7 rebounds
- Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF): 18.7 points, 6.4 rebounds
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SG): 19.1 points, 6 rebounds
- Danilo Gallinari (C): 19 points, 5.4 rebounds
- Chris Paul (PG): 17.8 points, 6.7 assists
