The Phoenix Suns will be facing the Memphis Grizzlies on December 31, 2024. Despite delivering on all fronts, all eyes will be on Kevin Durant. Although he has been performing consistently, the team’s demands are far from over. When they step onto the court against the Grizzlies for the New Year’s Eve game, he is expected to repeat his recent scoring performances.
The Grizzlies are struggling on their defensive end. And that is evident in them allowing 114.2 points per game and ranked 25th in the league in this category. There’s a strong possibility that Durant could exceed his points prop. For those of you wondering if Kevin Durant will play against the Grizzlies: yes, he is fit and will start against Memphis.
The Suns’ injury report looks almost similar to their last one. Grayson Allen is listed as probable because he is going through concussion protocol. The team lists Devin Booker and Bol Bol as questionable due to a left groin strain and a left knee contusion, respectively. While Royce O’Neale and Jusuf Nurkic remain out due to left ankle sprain and league suspension respectively.
NEWS: Suns injury report for New Year’s Eve home game against the Grizzlies:
— Trevor Booth (@TrevorMBooth) December 31, 2024
Grayson Allen – PROBABLE (Concussion Protocol)
Bol Bol – QUESTIONABLE (Left Knee Contusion)
Devin Booker – QUESTIONABLE (Left Groin Strain)
Royce O'Neale – OUT (Left Ankle Sprain)
Jusuf Nurkic – OUT…
However, Durant’s last couple of games were equally impressive. He scored 31 and 35 points in his last two outings. Durant has been effective on the glass with similar stats on both offensive and defensive boards. With an average of 6.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season, the bet on his rebounds looks appealing.
Also Read: Kevin Durant Believes Nikola Jokic Is “Arguably” Among The Top Ten Players Of All Time
Phoenix Suns Need Kevin Durant To Step Up
When the Suns take on the Grizzlies on Tuesday night, all eyes are on superstar Kevin Durant. He is now faced with not only his scoring responsibility but he will be carrying the team as Phoenix is going through tough times. With Booker sitting out his fifth straight game due to a left groin strain, Durant will be shouldering a heavy load.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
The Suns have hit a rough patch, losing five of their last six games, including a close call against the Golden State Warriors. Despite putting up a solid 31 points in that game, Durant admitted that the team has to rely on a “next-man-up” mentality.
“We definitely miss Book, you can’t replace what he brings to the team,” he said, stressing how crucial it is for his teammates to step it up right now.
"It's not just [me, Steph and LeBron], you see Jokic tonight. You see a hall of famer, an icon in Russ tonight. … It was an amazing day for basketball, I'm grateful I was able to play."
— ESPN (@espn) December 26, 2024
—Kevin Durant wraps up NBA Christmas in the perfect way 🏀 pic.twitter.com/wPKcXEk4D9
Similarly, this would be a complex game for the Grizzlies as well. They find themselves in an odd situation with their star guard Ja Morant out with a shoulder injury. When they come into this matchup, they will most likely try to bounce back after a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Coach Taylor Jenkins also acknowledged their struggles and pointed to the need for better ball control and faster pace.
Also Read: Draymond Green Dubs Kevin Durant As “Bro Next Door” For His One Particular Quality
