Phoenix Suns vs Toronto Raptors: Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s - January 11th, 2022 | NBA Season 2021-22
The Phoenix Suns visit the Scotiabank Arena in Canada to take on the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. The Suns (30-9) are tied for the best record in the NBA, while the Raptors (20-17) are steadily climbing the Eastern Conference ladder.
The Suns are coming off two losses in their last five games, including one to the Miami Heat. Devin Booker's efficiency has dropped since returning from a hamstring injury, while his three-point shooting has improved. Chris Paul is leading the league in assists and has forced himself into the early MVP discussion.
The Raptors, meanwhile, have been on a hot streak lately. After failing to win more than two games in a row in the last two months, they are on a six-game winning streak right now. The Milwaukee Bucks and the Utah Jazz were among the teams that the Raptors defeated in that stretch.
Phoenix Suns Injury Report
The Suns remain without Dario Saric and Frank Kaminsky, who are rehabilitating from their respective knee injuries. Meanwhile, Landry Shamet and Abdel Nader are under the league's health and safety protocols.
Toronto Raptors Injury Report
Rookie Scottie Barnes and Gary Trent Jr. are both questionable for the game against the Suns due to knee and ankle injuries, respectively. Additionally, Goran Dragic has been away from the team for personal reasons since December 26th and reportedly has no timeline for a return.
Phoenix Suns vs Toronto Raptors: Predicted Lineups
Phoenix Suns
The Suns will deploy their ideal lineup for this game. Chris Paul and Devin Booker will form the star backcourt with Paul running point. Mikal Bridges will retain his small forward role and Jae Crowder will start as the power forward as usual.
Finally, Deandre Ayton will continue to be at the center spot with JaVale McGee coming off the bench. Cameron Payne and Cameron Johnson will likely get the most minutes off the bench.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors will start Gary Trent Jr. as a shooting guard if he is eligible to play. He will join Fred VanVleet in the backcourt. If Scottie Barnes can play, he will start as the small forward and OG Anunoby will be the power forward. In either case, Anunoby will start in the frontcourt as one of the two forwards and Pascal Siakam will be the center. If Barnes cannot play then Siakam will be the four and Khem Birch will be the five.
Phoenix Suns vs Toronto Raptors: Predicted Starting 5s
Phoenix Suns
G - Chris Paul | G - Devin Booker | F - Mikal Bridges | F - Jae Crowder | C - Deandre Ayton.
Toronto Raptors
G - Fred VanVleet | G - Gary Trent Jr. | F - Scottie Barnes | F - OG Anunoby | C - Pascal Siakam.