Phoenix Suns could see star return against Portland Trail Blazers

PHOENIX – The NBA season has officially begun to pick up steam – and the Phoenix Suns have taken advantage of the fast start to the season, riding through a tough series of games to start the year with a 4-1 record.

The Suns host the 2-4 Portland Trail Blazers at Footprint Center tonight in what could be a test of how focused Phoenix is ​​heading into an action-packed November season.

Three things to pay attention to ahead of today’s match:

Starting guard Bradley Beal announced his intention to play in today’s game during afternoon practice after missing Thursday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers with an elbow injury.

Beal entered this season with the same statistical profile as last year, but from an eye test perspective he looked significantly better despite some ailments in his right arm.

Beal will continue to strive to do his part to win basketball and silence the doubters that this could be a special season for the Suns. Portland is a great opportunity for the former scoring champion to score 30 points.

Rookie phenom Ryan Dunn has enjoyed a stellar start to his NBA career – even earning Rookie of the Year buzz after being selected 29th overall in June.

Dunn has made 44 percent of his 3-point attempts this season, while remaining the primary defender on every opposing team’s offense and a natural fit in the starting five in two starts.

This raises a very pressing question as to whether Dunn will get significant playing time once Beal returns, especially given the impact Royce O’Neale has had thus far.

It’s possible that coach Mike Budenholzer will find creative ways to incorporate the young forward into different rotations, especially against an opponent who may not be the right fit.

The Suns’ second-year shooter has had a rather sluggish start to the campaign, shooting just 23.1% through three games thus far.

The newfound sixth man role has certainly been tailored to the Duke product, as has his newfound frame.

However, one has to assume that his shot will be discovered soon and this slow start is just a flash in the pan.

This game is perhaps more about working through personnel issues and ironing out shortcomings/common mistakes than playing against an opponent – it feels right for Allen to show what he was last season for the first time in the 2024-25 season tonight.

The council is scheduled for this evening shortly after 7:00 pm local time.