Phoenix Suns

The Nets are back on national TV as they head to Phoenix to take on the Suns for TNT Thursday.

With this being the front half of the back-to-back, Thomas ought to get some minutes tonight. He’s not someone you think of as being one of the team leaders in usage, but now that Johnson is back and Paul is closer to full strength, things might fall back into its natural order. [Brooklyn Nets](https://www.netsdaily.com) have hit a rough patch. Cam Thomas got some playing time and did something the Nets don’t do nearly enough. Thomas attacked the basket a ton and helped get the Nets back into the game when they were sleepwalking through the early part of it. But here we are; in dire need of a win.

Analyzing Thursday's Brooklyn Nets at Phoenix Suns odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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Suns All-Star point guard Chris Paul has missed Phoenix's last five games with a sore right hip.

[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or contact him at 480-787-1240. 4 against Portland](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2023/01/18/phoenix-suns-cam-johnson-set-to-return-against-brooklyn-nets/69819468007/). The Suns starting forward has missed 37 games with the injury as he had a trim procedure done on the ligament on Nov. With Paul and Shamet out, Saben Lee or Duane Washington Jr. "He had a good practice (Wednesday)," Suns coach Monty Williams said after Wednesday's practice. Paul fully participated in Wednesday's practice after not traveling with the team on its recent four-game road trip that ended Monday at Memphis on Martin Luther King Jr.

Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul were graded favorably well by Bleacher Report.

The 37-year-old is up to 16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.5 steals while knocking down 45.9 percent of his threes. He's still pulling down 10.1 boards a game and shooting 50.0 percent over this time, but this still seems like a disappointing stretch overall for the 2018 No. "The 26-year-old is averaging a career-high 27.1 points to go along with 4.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 0.9 steals a game this season. "Instead, Ayton's 17.0 points per game over the last month are actually down slightly from his overall average (17.3 points). "Booker hasn't played since Christmas Day with a groin injury, with the Suns falling to just 2-8 overall since. The last time he made it through a game healthy, Booker dropped 58 points in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Dec.

The Phoenix Suns (21-24) will host the Brooklyn Nets (27-16) Thursday night in a night where both teams will try to perform well despite the absences of ...

The Nets are small underdogs in this game, but back them as they face the struggling Suns. Take the Nets to cover this spread even with Irving’s status up in the air. Despite these struggles, there have been noticeable differences in the way that other players stepped up in the long absence of Booker, as well as some of Chris Paul’s and DeAndre Ayton’s absences. With the way the Suns are playing, they need to make all-around production from their players to win the next set of games. For one, Kevin Durant is gradually progressing to a return with the Nets. If they win out for the rest of January, despite the absence of Booker, they might be able to punch their way into playoff contention. The Nets have been fairly decent on the road, winning 14 of the 23 matches this season. Ben Simmons will most likely play as the main defender and playmaker, while TJ Warren, Royce O’Neale, Seth Curry, and Nic Claxton are expected to make some buckets. With Irving probable to play and Durant still sidelined, the Nets will need some offensive inspiration from their remaining players. The Phoenix Suns continue to struggle, which places them out of the playoff picture. With no Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons emerged as the leader of the squad, amassing a 10-10-11 triple-double that propelled the Nets to a near comeback. Brooklyn looks to make another series of wins, as Durant’s injury management will be a tough blow to the team.

Jan 19, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23) defends Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) at Footprint Center.

Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23) drives as Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) defends during the second ...

“Those first couple of possessions, I was kind of laid back in the corner just observing, catching the pace and everything,” Johnson said. “A lot of it was in pick and roll and attacking the paint. He embraced that contact through a perfect 9-for-9 mark at the foul line, a new career high for makes and attempts. He checked out around the six-minute mark of the fourth quarter after just a brief three-minute shift, suggesting the 18 minutes he hit was the minutes restriction cap Williams spoke on pregame. Ayton was superb in the first half but lost that touch in the second half. And guys can really play, so just respecting the game, respecting (that) it’s not an easy game to jump into when you haven’t.” The fact that he was taking those shots when it mattered is something that he and I have talked about, living with the consequences of whatever it is.” That is a really hard skill to learn, and Bridges is a guy who didn’t even do this type of thing in high school, let alone college. “I just thought he brought a level of juice to the arena that we hadn’t felt in a while,” Williams said of Johnson. As this type of offensive option, Bridges has to make the right decision in the heart of the defense once he takes his first or second dribble inside the 3-point line. When he switched to the other end after guarding a three-time All-NBA member, Bridges ran the offense while being marked by Ben Simmons, a two-time First Team All-Defense honoree and ace perimeter defender. …’ To have your fans emotionally wrap their arms around a guy that’s grown up in this city and watched him battle through a tough injury and have him check in the game and feel that love from the community, from our fans, I thought it was awesome.”

So when a Brooklyn Nets team without Kevin Durant sleepwalked defensively through the first half and more on Thursday in Phoenix, the Suns had to pounce.

“Those first couple of possessions, I was kind of laid back in the corner just observing, catching the pace and everything,” Johnson said. “A lot of it was in pick and roll and attacking the paint. He embraced that contact through a perfect 9-for-9 mark at the foul line, a new career high for makes and attempts. He checked out around the six-minute mark of the fourth quarter after just a brief three-minute shift, suggesting the 18 minutes he hit was the minutes restriction cap Williams spoke on pregame. Ayton was superb in the first half but lost that touch in the second half. And guys can really play, so just respecting the game, respecting (that) it’s not an easy game to jump into when you haven’t.” The fact that he was taking those shots when it mattered is something that he and I have talked about, living with the consequences of whatever it is.” That is a really hard skill to learn, and Bridges is a guy who didn’t even do this type of thing in high school, let alone college. “I just thought he brought a level of juice to the arena that we hadn’t felt in a while,” Williams said of Johnson. As this type of offensive option, Bridges has to make the right decision in the heart of the defense once he takes his first or second dribble inside the 3-point line. When he switched to the other end after guarding a three-time All-NBA member, Bridges ran the offense while being marked by Ben Simmons, a two-time First Team All-Defense honoree and ace perimeter defender. …’ To have your fans emotionally wrap their arms around a guy that’s grown up in this city and watched him battle through a tough injury and have him check in the game and feel that love from the community, from our fans, I thought it was awesome.”

Mikal Bridges scored 28 points, Deandre Ayton had 24 points and 14 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns held off the Brooklyn Nets 117-112 on Thursday night.

... Had a 25-11 rebounding advantage in the first half ... Ishbia is a former Michigan State player under coach Tom Izzo, and was a member of the Spartans’ NCAA championship team in 2000. The sale is still in the process of being completed. Lewis called him for his first technical and then Simmons was subbed out of the game. “I just thought he brought a level of juice to the arena that we hadn't felt in a while,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. ... Has a Simmons was called for an offensive foul on a screen and then started arguing with official Eric Lewis as both went down the court. Ayton had 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists before the break. The Nets cut it to 107-102 with about 3:30 left, but then had three straight turnovers to blunt their momentum. I am not going to tone it down because the refs don't want to see the physicality.” But he's a very good player, and right now, they need all the help they can get. I am going to be physical.

Cam Johnson hit his first shot — and many more after having not played since Nov. 4. Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges produced — and Ben Simmons got ejected.

Johnson not only hit all four of his free throws with in the fourth, but had a key steal and block on Irving. Not imposing the physical advantage he has. They each scored five points in the fourth, but those buckets were huge answers. The joy is not there. He went 4-of-4 on free throws against the Grizzlies. [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or contact him at 480-787-1240. Johnson will get back in the starting lineup soon as Williams has him on a minute restriction. A small? Bridges was just in a better flow and picked his spots better. A big? Ayton’s basket came off Bridges’ ninth assist. He may have gone over that late in the game as Williams put him back in the game with 3:42 left in the fourth.

When it comes to hats and caps, there's no bigger name than New Era. It was founded in 1920 as the E. Koch Cap Company with founder Ehrhardt Koch and 14 ...

[New Era x Just Don 59FIFTY Phoenix Suns hat](https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/c/1412332/586570/9663?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fanatics.com%2Fnba%2Fphoenix-suns%2Fphoenix-suns-new-era-x-just-don-59fifty-fitted-hat-purple%2Fo-2458%2Bt-70361979%2Bp-71927427181%2Bz-9-652256259%3F_ref%3Dp-SRP%3Am-GRID%3Ai-r5c1%3Apo-16&subid1=FS-VOTS-JustDon). [You can order yours at Fanatics today for $74.99.](https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/c/1412332/586570/9663?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fanatics.com%2Fnba%2Fphoenix-suns%2Fphoenix-suns-new-era-x-just-don-59fifty-fitted-hat-purple%2Fo-2458%2Bt-70361979%2Bp-71927427181%2Bz-9-652256259%3F_ref%3Dp-SRP%3Am-GRID%3Ai-r5c1%3Apo-16&subid1=FS-VOTS-JustDon) It will ship free with the code 24SHIP at checkout today. This post contains affiliate links, where we may receive a percentage of any sale made from the links on this page. Part of a special collaboration with Just Don, this headwear is a unique way to show your fandom. But that’s just one half of the equation. Maybe I have a problem (but I don’t think so). The vibrant graphics and contrasting undervisor of this hat make it a stand-out addition to any outfit.” [59FIFTY hat from New Era](https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/c/1412332/586570/9663?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fanatics.com%2Fnba%2Fphoenix-suns%2Fphoenix-suns-new-era-x-just-don-59fifty-fitted-hat-purple%2Fo-2458%2Bt-70361979%2Bp-71927427181%2Bz-9-652256259%3F_ref%3Dp-SRP%3Am-GRID%3Ai-r5c1%3Apo-16&subid1=FS-VOTS-JustDon). Koch Cap Company with founder Ehrhardt Koch and 14 employees. I might have six or seven. It was founded in 1920 as the E. ](https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/c/1412332/586570/9663?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fanatics.com%2Fnba%2Fphoenix-suns%2Fphoenix-suns-new-era-x-just-don-59fifty-fitted-hat-purple%2Fo-2458%2Bt-70361979%2Bp-71927427181%2Bz-9-652256259%3F_ref%3Dp-SRP%3Am-GRID%3Ai-r5c1%3Apo-16&subid1=FS-VOTS-JustDon)

Phoenix snapped a three-game losing streak and will have an off day before hosting the Pacers/Grizzlies in a back-to-back this weekend.

"Defends and stays in front of the ball. On a night where stars such as Devin Booker and Chris Paul were still out due to injury, fans have been calling on the likes of Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges to deliver. Hopeful to keep him around; he brings something that we need," Suns coach Monty Williams said prior to the game. In what might be his final performance with the Suns, he also dished out six assists. 4, leading by as much as 24 before Brooklyn stormed back and made it a three-point game in the final seconds. Johnson quickly made good on that energy by scoring a quick ten points and finishing with 19.

Heading into this week, the Suns ranked dead last in the NBA with only 100.4 points per game since the calendar flipped to 2023 and hosted the Brooklyn Nets ...

In the history of the NBA, only two teams have ever won the title with a seed lower than third in either conference. and have him check in the game and feel that love from the community and our fans, I thought that was awesome,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. More than halfway through the season, Phoenix sits with a 22-24 record in the 11th seed in the West and faces an uphill battle toward championship contention. And that means a lot to us players.” Johnson hadn’t missed a beat and would end his night with 19 points and six rebounds while going a perfect 9-9 at the free throw line in the Suns’ 117-112 victory. The Phoenix Suns have limped into the new year, thanks in part to Devin Booker and Chris Paul remaining out due to injuries.

The Suns have been in a lull as of late but forward Cam Johnson's return from a knee injury on Thursday against the Nets was a needed boost.

Johnson finished the night with 19 points on 4-for-10 shooting, two rebounds and a perfect 9-for-9 from the line. The Suns’ sharpshooter jumped out to a 3-for-4 start from the field, including two 3s on the first three attempts as well as nailing his first two free throws. The Suns have been in a lull as of late but forward Cam Johnson’s return from a knee injury on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets was a needed boost in Phoenix’s 117-112 win.

Phoenix Suns fans greeted the return of power forward Cam Johnson with quite the ovation, a well deserved one for Johnson after missing nearly 40 games with ...

There's hope Johnson's arrival (with others looming) can help turn the tide and put Phoenix back into their rightful spot as one of the top teams in the West. Those of us in the media weren't privy to what Williams told NBA on TNT following the game, though many people claim he told them Johnson was expected to get around 18 minutes of action. It was one of those moments that I try to stay focused as much as I can in the game, but in that moment, I felt it." Booker once said of Suns fans in a post-game presser: "They don't bull---- around here." Gave me juice, think it gave the team a little juice, but I just want to say, I missed 37 games, can’t tell you how good it felt to back out there.” Johnson quickly came out of the gates and scored ten points to finish the fourth quarter.

PHOENIX — Late in a 117-112 win over Brooklyn, injured guard Devin Booker turned to his Phoenix teammates on the bench and said simply, “Way to get back on ...

[Jae Crowder](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jae-crowder-0vLcUgtCxJK833Re/), a valuable piece the team has agreed to move, [before the Feb. Warren](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/tj-warren-te6am5kOZ0yFvULt/), Marquese Chriss and Tyson Chandler. [Golden State](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/warriors/), the Suns struggled late, making fans nervous, but they didn’t crumble. To put that into context, [Houston](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/rockets/), the [NBA](https://theathletic.com/nba/)’s worst team with 10 wins, has lost by 25 or more only once this season. [Mikal Bridges](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/mikal-bridges-dmZgViDJ3He5ZrQp/) scored 28 points, the third game in a row he has topped 20, only the second time he has done that over his five-year career. We don’t want to get happy on the farm, we got to be better next game, but I think they feel like we can win games if we play the defense the way we’re capable of and we handle those moments when teams make a run or we have a few turnovers or we miss a few shots.” [Damion Lee](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/damion-lee-z7v3CbWslBqSP1o7/) said Johnson’s return brought joy to the locker room. Some of this has been due to the injuries, a development the Nets are experiencing, having lost four in a row since With the same core, the Suns, who currently sit 11th but are two games out of sixth, could make a similar surge and capture a favorable postseason seed. “I’m not big into putting new things out there,’’ Lee said, “but that’s kind of like the mantra of this team — storms don’t last forever. But for the first time in a while, even as Brooklyn cut a 24-point lead to two in the final minutes, Thursday night felt like a step in a different direction. Ishbia sat next to interim team governor Sam Garvin near the baseline, elbows on knees, hands clasped, looking more like a basketball coach than a billionaire mortgage lender.