Game Preview: Suns v Magic

The Phoenix Suns play host to the Orlando Magic, at Talking Stick Resort Arena
on Friday evening. This marks the third game of the Suns’ six-game home stand,
where they have gone 0-2 so far. The Suns (4-8) have dropped four in a row,
dating back to November 3rd. They are coming off a 126-115 loss at home against
Miami in their last contest, where Devin Booker led the way with 30 points on
9-of-23 shooting, in 37 minutes. Booker has been one of the bright spots of the
season so far for the Suns; averaging 22.3 points per game. The Suns pulled the
trigger on a trade for Eric Bledsoe earlier this week that landed them big man
Greg Monroe. Monroe has yet to suit up for the Suns and remains questionable for
action on Friday. Tyson Chandler (back) is also questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Magic (7-4) are off to a great start this season, with an early
hold on third place in the East. The Magic have won three of their last five
games, including a win in their most recent contest. This marks the first game
of a four-game road trip for the Magic, who are 3-2 on the road so for this
season. After missing eight games with a hamstring injury, Elfrid Payton
returned to the line up in the Magic’s last game and finished with 11 points and
11 assists, in 29 minutes. Aaron Gordon continues to play well, averaging 19.3
points and 8.3 rebounds per game, while Evan Fournier averages a team-high 20.5
points per game.