Suns @ Nuggets game thread 1-19-18

[Mainstreet]

In the second game of a four game road trip, the Suns visit the Nuggets in Denver on Friday. The Nuggets will be without Jamal Murray as concussion symptoms persist.

The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Arizona time and will be televised on FSAZ.

Read more at the ESPN Preview.

Murray had cleared the concussion protocol during Tuesday's win over Dallas, but symptoms arose later.

"As much as I want Jamal Murray to play, and as much as I know it hurts him not to play," Malone told The Denver Post on Wednesday. "I think it's important for him to know that we have his well-being at heart. We never want to put any of our players out there if we don't think that they're ready to give us their best, or if they're going to risk doing any further damage."

Without Murray, the Nuggets blew a fourth-quarter lead and lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 109-104 to fall into ninth place in the Western Conference playoff race. Denver (23-22) has lost five of its last seven but hopes to end that slide against the 16-29 Suns.

Phoenix is dealing with its own injuries. Marquese Criss will miss the game with a nagging hip injury and may have an MRI exam to reveal the extent of the injury. The Suns will get T.J. Warren back in the starting lineup and Danuel House returns after missing the team's recent road trip because of the flu.

Phoenix has lost three straight and five of its last six, including a 118-111 loss in Portland on Tuesday night. The Trail Blazers shot 50.5 percent from the field and 48.6 percent from 3-point range, raising concerns about the Suns' defense.

http://www.espn.com/nba/preview?gameId=400975417

 

[Mainstreet]

From Scott Bordow.

scott bordow‏Verified account@sbordow

Marquese Chriss (hip) did not practice and is out for Denver. Might be getting a second MRI. T.J. Warren (back) practiced and is expected to start

12:30 PM - 18 Jan 2018

 

[Hoop Head]

House is on a Two-Way deal and if I'm not mistaken he was signed when James had his deal turned into a regular contract in early December so his deal should be coming up also. I believe they're allowed 45 days with their NBA team before they need to convert the contract and he hasn't shown anything worthwhile to waive someone for. I'm not sure sending him to the G-League for the remainder of the year would be a good option either. They could give someone else a shot and sign House to a G-League deal if he clears waivers.

 

[Ronin]

scott bordow
@sbordow

Chriss did not take part in shoot around. Out tonight. Warren good to go

 

[Suns_fan69]

Good to have Warren back. I worry about Booker wearing down carrying the offensive load night in and night out. Warren can help take some of that pressure off.

 

[Ronin]

scott bordow
@sbordow

Asked Marquese Chriss how he was feeling today. He said "better." Still no definitive answer on when he might return

 

[Ronin]

Gina Mizell
@ginamizell

#Nuggets starting PG Jamal Murray is officially back after missing one game while going through the NBA’s concussion protocol.

 

[Ronin]

Phoenix Suns
@Suns

INJURY UPDATE: T.J. Warren is ACTIVE as he returns to the starting lineup. Marquese Chriss is OUT tonight. #SunsAtNuggets

 

[Ronin]

scott bordow
@sbordow

This is interesting. Davon Reed is listed as out tonight because of coach's decision.

 

[Mainstreet]

scott bordow
@sbordow

This is interesting. Davon Reed is listed as out tonight because of coach's decision.

I'm beginning to wonder if Reed is still trying to overcome a confidence hurdle. As I understand it, he is physically able to play.

 

[Mainstreet]

Suns trail 12-11 with 6:54 in the 1st quarter.

Booker (5) and Warren (6) have all the Suns points.

 

[Errntknght]

bench came in and brought us back to 2 pts behind at end of 1st Q

 

[Mainstreet]

Suns on a nice run and lead 39-31. Canaan and Jackson are playing well off the bench.

 

[Mainstreet]

Cannan with another 3. He is 3-4 from 3 point range and has 11 points.

 

[Mainstreet]

And another 3 by Canaan.

 

[Mainstreet]

Plumlee fouls Chandler very hard no review.

Chandler fouls Plumlee on the shoulder hard and gets called for a flagrant after Plumlee falls to the floor acting like he has been annihilated.

I guess a new form of flopping.

 

[Mainstreet]

Suns lead the Nuggets 60 -50 at halftime.

 

[ColdPickleNachos]

Nets beat the Heat. That's helpful on two levels.

 

[Mainstreet]

Nets beat the Heat. That's helpful on two levels.

I was watching the score earlier with the Heat leading.

Nice save.

 

[Mainstreet]

The Denver coach stands and walks on the court during live game action and gets away with it.

Referees should not be doing favors.

 

[SweetD]

I am ready to see less of Bender and more of Josh Jaskson

 

[Mainstreet]

I am ready to see less of Bender and more of Josh Jaskson

Jackson just threw a weird shot down.

 

[SweetD]

These last few games Chriss has been out Bender hasn't done anything to show he is ready for a starting role

 

[Mainstreet]

These last few games Chriss has been out Bender hasn't done anything to show he is ready for a starting role

Sometimes Bender looks like a Christmas tree ornament hanging out there at the 3 point line on offense.

 

[ColdPickleNachos]

Josh Jackson, ladies and gentlemen!