Suns Shake Up Starting Lineup Amid Losing Streak, Tensions

In a bold move to address a four-game losing streak and reported locker room tensions, the Phoenix Suns are benching stars Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkić for their game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee will replace them in the starting lineup, according to a report by veteran NBA journalist Chris Haynes.

Haynes revealed that players are frustrated with their roles and usage, marking the first public indication of internal discord within the team. The Suns, who started the season 8-1 and held the top seed in the Western Conference, have since plummeted to a 15-18 record, prompting drastic changes.

Beal, a three-time All-Star, will now lead the second unit, providing a scoring punch off the bench. Meanwhile, Nurkić will face off against Philadelphia’s Andre Drummond, a matchup of two physical centers with similar strengths and weaknesses. Dunn, known for his defensive prowess, is expected to bolster the Suns’ ability to guard the Sixers’ wings, while Plumlee will take on the daunting task of defending MVP candidate Joel Embiid.

The Suns’ struggles have been compounded by injuries and inconsistent performances, but the team has shown flashes of potential when stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker share the court. Phoenix holds a 13-5 record in games where both players are active. However, the Sixers, led by Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, have been on an upward trajectory, winning 10 of their last 15 games since December 1.

This lineup change aims to restore balance and reduce the offensive burden on the bench, with Beal’s scoring ability providing a significant boost. The Suns will look to capitalize on Philadelphia’s shaky 5-9 home record and secure their first win of 2025. Tip-off is set for 5:00 pm Arizona time at the Wells Fargo Center.