Nuggets @ Suns game thread 2-10-18

[Mainstreet]

Saturday the Nuggets visit the Suns in Phoenix for a game scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Arizona time.

The Nuggets are coming off a 130-104 loss to the Rockets on Friday night.

It looks like Booker and Ulis may miss the game but the Suns should see the debut of Elfrid Payton in a Suns uniform.

See more from the Scott Bordow game update.

Nuggets at Suns

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena

TV/radio: ESPN/FSAZ/KTAR 98.7 FM

Update: The Suns, who have lost four straight games and nine of 10, will be bolstered by the debut of point guard Elfrid Payton, acquired Thursday from the Orlando Magic. Payton is expected to play and possibly start. Phoenix likely won’t have Devin Booker available, though. Booker (hip pointer) did not practice Saturday and interim coach Jay Triano said it’s unlikely Booker will play. Backup point guard Tyler Ulis (back spasms) also is expected to miss the game. The Nuggets were 29-25 heading into Friday’s game at Houston.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/spo...-give-thumbs-up-elfrid-payton-deal/325163002/

 

[Mainstreet]

Scott Bordow's tweet on Booker and Ulis.

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[Hoop Head]

Booker should be held out through the All-Star break. I think he'll still compete in the 3pt contest there though.

A little worried the addition of Payton might spark a small run by the team, similar to when Triano took over for Watson. I don't think it will last as long but it could get us a win against Denver.

 

[Mainstreet]

Booker should be held out through the All-Star break. I think he'll still compete in the 3pt contest there though.

A little worried the addition of Payton might spark a small run by the team, similar to when Triano took over for Watson. I don't think it will last as long but it could get us a win against Denver.

Your point is well taken. The Suns can only improve with the addition of Payton... how much I don't know.

I'm thinking McDonough thought it was a risk worth taking because team morale and play appeared to be at an all time low.

Payton appears to be a player on the way up in his career so outside of Doncic, Young and perhaps Sexton, he might be better than any player the Suns might draft. Of course it is all contingent on how Payton plays during the remaining games.

 

[Mainstreet]

Suns injury update:

scott bordow‏Verified account@sbordow 7m7 minutes ago


Tyson Chandler out, Devin Booker out, Tyler Ulis game time decision

It remains to be seen who starts at center.

 

[Hoop Head]

For a little bit of continuity I'd stick with Bender & Chriss as the starting frontcourt. Len should stay in his backup role, he'd get moved there when Chandler returns anyways.

Has there been any news on when Williams is supposed to return? February was mentioned during the beginning of the season but I haven't heard anything since November.

 

[Mainstreet]

Confirmation Payton will play tonight.

scott bordow‏Verified account@sbordow 6m6 minutes ago


Elfrid Payton will play tonight. Uncertain whether he'll start, but he'll get a good look

 

[Mainstreet]

For a little bit of continuity I'd stick with Bender & Chriss as the starting frontcourt. Len should stay in his backup role, he'd get moved there when Chandler returns anyways.

Has there been any news on when Williams is supposed to return? February was mentioned during the beginning of the season but I haven't heard anything since November.

I like a Bender and Chriss frontcourt as well because both need the minutes.

Nothing new on Williams but I thought his anticipated return is in March.

 

[Hoop Head]

This is the latest I found, from January 5th, that says he's expected to be back in February or March. I hope he can get back sooner because it wouldn't surprise me if they decide to let him go during the offseason as his contract is not guaranteed beyond this season. That would open up another $6.5 million. Because it's not a team or player option they'd have to release him and in doing so I don't believe he'd be able to resign with the Suns until the following summer.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/spo...er-all-start-alan-williams-injury/1008070001/

 

[JCSunsfan]

Confirmation Payton will play tonight.

He HAS to. We are so short-handed.

 

[Mainstreet]

This is the latest I found, from January 5th, that says he's expected to be back in February or March. I hope he can get back sooner because it wouldn't surprise me if they decide to let him go during the offseason as his contract is not guaranteed beyond this season. That would open up another $6.5 million. Because it's not a team or player option they'd have to release him and in doing so I don't believe he'd be able to resign with the Suns until the following summer.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/spo...er-all-start-alan-williams-injury/1008070001/

I thought Williams salary was guaranteed next season plus he has a team option the following season.

It's hard to see the Suns trading him because of the PR factor plus he looks like he can play the backup center role.

http://hoopshype.com/player/alan-williams/salary/

 

[Mainstreet]

He HAS to. We are so short-handed.

The Suns have Gray and Bender.

 

[Hoop Head]

I thought Williams salary was guaranteed next season plus he has a team option the following season.

It's hard to see the Suns trading him because of the PR factor plus he looks like he can play the backup center role.

http://hoopshype.com/player/alan-williams/salary/

A few places list his deal as non-guaranteed. Scroll down here to Williams and you can see the contract details. This is from 98.7 Arizona Sports so I think they'd be correct on the info. Spotrac

http://arizonasports.com/story/1407497/phoenix-suns-salary-cap-space-roster-draft-picks/


Spotrac has info on his contract also...

http://www.spotrac.com/nba/phoenix-suns/alan-williams-18820/

Here is his contract info...

• 2018 non-guaranteed, $1 million g'teed trigger for minute, weight, body fat requirements by 7/6/18
• 2019 Club Option/non-guaranteed, $1 million g'teed trigger for minute, weight, body fat requirements by 7/6/19

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Mainstreet]

@Poop Head

Could well be.

I do think the Suns will lean toward keeping him next season.

 

[Mainstreet]

So Ulis is out tonight as well.

scott bordow‏Verified account@sbordow 21m21 minutes ago


Ulis out for tonight

So Chandler, Booker and Ulis will not be playing.

 

[Errntknght]

Denver underestimates, Phx bounces back from embarrassing loss, Payton sparkles, Suns win...

 

[Mainstreet]

Suns starting lineup:

scott bordow‏Verified account@sbordow 1m1 minute ago


Suns' starters: Payton, Daniels, Jackson, Warren, Bender.

Wow. 21st different starting lineup this year

 

[Mainstreet]

Denver underestimates, Phx bounces back from embarrassing loss, Payton sparkles, Suns win...

The Nuggets also played last night.

 

[SirStefan32]

I actually like that lineup. I want to see Bender at 5 and Warren at 4 as much as possible this year.

 

[Mainstreet]

I actually like that lineup. I want to see Bender at 5 and Warren at 4 as much as possible this year.

Still have to wonder how the Suns are going to guard Jokic.

 

[SirStefan32]

Still have to wonder how the Suns are going to guard Jokic.

Let Bender go one on one with him. If he scores 30, he scores 30. If you double Jokic, he'll end up with 10 assists.
Make him work on the other end. Isolate him and Bender and let's see how Jokic guards Bender. Jokic is a far better player right now, but I think Bender can take him one on one.

 

[Mainstreet]

Let Bender go one on one with him. If he scores 30, he scores 30. If you double Jokic, he'll end up with 10 assists.
Make him work on the other end. Isolate him and Bender and let's see how Jokic guards Bender. Jokic is a far better player right now, but I think Bender can take him one on one.

We will see.

 

[Mainstreet]

Daniels and Barton in an altercation.

Double technical fouls.

 

[BC867]

Double T. No big thing.

 

[Mainstreet]

Bender now with two 3 point shots.