Here's what still has to happen first. Phoenix plays at Golden State and then hosts Portland on Wednesday, the same Blazers team that beat them 124-83 in October. That makes Thursday the 2nd night of a back-to-back for the Suns. How they look against Portland, and how many minutes Booker and the starters play, will shape this game more than anything that's already happened. Orlando gets the opposite setup: 2 full days off after the Washington loss before they tip off in Phoenix.
Orlando's injury list is long. Black sat Monday as part of managing his ankle, after stepping up as a main option with Banchero and Suggs both out. Whether he's back after the 2-day break matters a lot for an offense that scored 99, 97 and 94 in 3 of its last 4 games. Jonathan Isaac was recalled from the G League's Osceola Magic but is still listed out. Noah Penda (partially torn hamstring) and Izaiyah Nelson (ankle surgery) are also out. Suggs was due for a 2-week re-evaluation from late October, so his status around this date is worth watching.
The game probably comes down to a weak offense against a leaky defense. Through 4 games, Phoenix has given up at least 122 points every time out. Orlando's offense can barely get to 100 right now. The team that wins that matchup on Thursday at 7:00 PM MT likely wins the game. If Phoenix is tired from playing the night before, the Magic's 2 days of rest could matter more than either record.
