The Phoenix Suns situation got a lot bleaker on Sunday after some major lineup changes were announced.
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Suns Bench Nurkic, Beal Ahead of Next Matchup
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Suns are removing shooting guard Bradley Beal and center Jusuf Nurki? from the starting five beginning with Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. They will reportedly be replaced by rookie forward Ryan Dunn and veteran center Mason Plumlee.
Sources: In midst of 4-game losing streak and tension in locker room, Phoenix expected to make drastic change by removing Bradley Beal, Jusuf Nurkic from starting lineup beginning Monday at Philadelphia. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/utz0FNLppB
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 6, 2025
Sources: Rookie Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee expected to replace Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkić in the Phoenix Suns starting lineup. pic.twitter.com/ody525bQsg
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 6, 2025
Haynes went on to reveal that uncertainty about roles has spawned "tension" in Phoenix's locker room.
Devin Booker Hopes for a Brighter Future in Phoenix
Players like Devin Booker have not been timid about expressing their disappointment with the trajectory of the team.
"The vibes are low, man," Booker said after the Suns' loss to the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. "We're just have to keep fighting. It's a blessing to even be in this position, but our output is super ugly right now. We continue to build. Hopefully later in the season, these moments right here are out the way, got past them."
The next week of games could provide the shift that the Suns are looking for as the All-Star Weekend draws closer. Monday's matchup sees them facing a 76ers team that's been scourged by injuries and unable to get a footing of their own all season. When both teams met back in November Phoenix emerged victorious, though Philadelphia was without former MVP Joel Embiid and had only just gotten All-star forward Paul George back from injury.
Incidentally Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Monday's matchup, a decision which could work in favor of the Suns as they try and discover their winning formula.
