The Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs enter Thursday’s matchup with notable absences that could influence playing time and strategy.
For the Suns, Cole Anthony remains out and not with the team, while Dillon Brooks is sidelined due to a league suspension.
San Antonio faces a deeper injury and roster challenge. Harrison Ingram, David Jones Garcia, Stanley Umude, and Lindy Waters III are unavailable due to G League assignments and health issues. Mason Plumlee is also out while undergoing return-to-competition reconditioning.
Phoenix relies heavily on Devin Booker, who is averaging 25.2 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game. Grayson Allen adds 17.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest, while Collin Gillespie contributes 13.3 points with efficient three-point shooting at 42.3%. Mark Williams continues to anchor the paint, posting 12.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
The Spurs will look to Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox to carry scoring and playmaking responsibilities. Wembanyama averages 24.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks, while Fox contributes 19.4 points and 6.3 assists. Devin Vassell adds 14.1 points per game and helps with perimeter defense.
Both teams come off contrasting results. Phoenix dropped a 109-136 contest to the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 11 after beating the Dallas Mavericks 120-111. San Antonio has won six straight, including a 126-113 win over Golden State and a 136-108 victory at the Lakers.
Historically, the Suns have the edge this season, winning both previous meetings against the Spurs: 130-118 on November 2 and 111-102 on November 23.
The Suns aim to maintain their 32-23 record, while the Spurs look to extend their six-game winning streak and strengthen their 38-16 standing.
