Wolves-Phoenix gameday preview
November 11, 2017 at 4:19AM
Suns moving on without Bledsoe
Preview: The Timberwolves have won the past four meetings with Phoenix after going 3-7 in the previous 10. The Wolves' 4-0 record a year ago marked only the second time they have swept the Suns; they went 4-0 in 2003-04, too. … The Suns play the fourth game of a six-game homestand, and they are playing back-to-back after facing Orlando on Friday. Asked if he intended to attend that game to scout both teams on a Friday night off, Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau said: "I'd like to, yes. You want to give me a ride?" … The Suns now have played twice since they traded point guard Eric Bledsoe to Milwaukee on Tuesday for big man Greg Monroe, a future first-round pick and a 2018 protected second-round pick.
Players to watch: Suns G Devin Booker has scored 30 or more points in four of his past seven games before Friday's game. He is averaging 25.6 points on 46 percent shooting from the field, 38.6 percent shooting from three-point range and 94.1 percent shooting from the foul line. His four 30-point games in the team's first 12 games is the most by a Suns players since Amar'e Stoudemire did so in 2004-05. … Undrafted in 2012 and signed a free agent in July, 27-year-old rookie point guard Mike James is starting alongside Booker and is averaging 12.3 points and 4.0 assists a game.
Injuries: Wolves C Justin Patton (foot surgery) remains out indefinitely. Suns C Tyson Chandler (back spasms), F Greg Monroe (calf strain), G Brandon Knight (ACL surgery), G Davon Reed (meniscus tear), F/C Alan Williams (meniscus tear) all were listed as out for Friday's game against Orlando.
JERRY ZGODA
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The Wolves cut a 19-point second-half deficit to two, but Naz Reid’s three-point attempt missed at the final horn against the defending NBA champions.
