Suns Prepare for Crucial Matchup Against Pelicans Amid Injury Struggles

PHOENIX, Arizona — The Phoenix Suns (27-31) are gearing up for a critical game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night, which carries significant playoff implications for both teams.

Bradley Beal, a three-time All-Star and key player for the Suns, has been ruled out due to left calf tightness, as confirmed by head coach Mike Budenholzer. Beal’s absence is felt deeply, especially after his recent performance where he scored 24 points and contributed 11 assists in a close loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.

“Bradley has been out of this world in his last eight games,” Budenholzer said. “His scoring and playmaking are vital to our strategy.” Beal is averaging 18.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists this season, notably shooting 50.4% from the field.

The Suns are on a two-game losing streak and currently sit at 11th in the Western Conference. This matchup is a must-win if they hope to stay in contention for a playoff spot.

Alongside Beal, the Suns will also miss Cody Martin due to a sports hernia, and Monte Morris, who has been sidelined since February 8 with lower back spasms. Morris has averaged nearly five points per game this season.

In contrast, the Pelicans—currently ranked 14th in the conference with a 15-43 record—are also facing significant injury challenges. Key players, including Dejounte Murray, who has a ruptured right Achilles, and Herb Jones, who has a torn rotator cuff, will not participate in the game.

Coach Willie Green of the Pelicans acknowledged the stakes of the game. “Both teams are competing hard for playoff placements; it’s going to be highly competitive on both ends,” he remarked. “Our young players are eager to rise to the occasion.”

The Suns will heavily lean on their stars, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, both recently returned from their own injuries. Durant has been averaging 26.9 points and six rebounds this season, while Booker has been showcasing his playmaking skills, looking to step up amid the team’s struggles.

In the face of recent disappointing defensive stretches, Budenholzer emphasized the importance of defensive consistency moving forward. “We’ve allowed over 145 points in our recent games. We need to sharpen our defensive cohesion,” he noted.

As tip-off approaches at 8:00 p.m. CST, all eyes will be on the starting lineups: the Suns will feature Tyus Jones, Devin Booker, Nick Richards, Bol Bol, and Kevin Durant, while the Pelicans will start CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, Yves Missi, Karlo Matkovic, and Zion Williamson.

In a crowded playoff race, the outcome of this game could be pivotal for both teams. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Suns can ignite a spark and turn their season around amid adversity, or if the Pelicans will continue their streak to push further into playoff contention.