The Phoenix Suns shook up their starting lineup ahead of Monday night’s road game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Suns will use their 18th different starting lineup this season, with the soon-to-be starting of rookie Forward Ryan Dunn and veteran Forward-Center Mason Plumlee. Dunn, 21, is no stranger to the starting lineup, with 13 starts, and neither is Plumlee, 34, who has been playing in the NBA since 2013.
The Suns and Sixers game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Phoenix’s record is 15-18, while Philadelphia’s is 14-19. Phoenix has lost four straight games, with its last win on December 25, 2024, a 110-100 defeat of the Denver Nuggets at the Footprint Center. Philadelphia hopes to win two straight games, as its last win, a 123-94 blowout of the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center on January 4, 2025, snapped a two-game losing skid.
Phoenix Suns’ Shake-Ups
The Phoenix Suns’ starting lineup shake-ups include Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee. So far this season, Dunn has averaged 6.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, while shooting 43.4% from the field goal line and 30.2% from the three-point line. Plumlee has averaged 4.3 points, 6.1 points, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 58.0% from the field.
On Sunday night, Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes posted on X, formerly Twitter, a photo of Suns shooting Guard Bradley Beal and Center Jusuf Nurkic, with the caption, “Sources: Rookie Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee expected to replace Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkić in the Phoenix Suns starting lineup.” Haynes’ post about the Suns’ shake-ups of Dunn and Plumlee arrived at about the right time, as tensions have risen in Phoenix, Arizona.
According to Arizona Sports, Haynes added, “There is also tension in that locker room … I’m told players are — certain players are unsure of their roles and frustrated in how they’re being used. The coaching staff, they’re trying to figure things out.” It’s unclear when — and if — the Suns will figure things out. But for now, the Suns’ shake-ups could speed up the process. Dunn and Plumlee might help with defense, shooting, and shot-blocking.
Phoenix’s New-Look Lineup
The Phoenix Suns are on a four-game losing skid and are 1-7 in their last eight games. The Suns are coming off a 126-108 blowout loss to the Indiana Pacers on January 4, 2025. With the starting of Dunn and Plumlee, the Suns’ new-look lineup will likely feature Dunn, Plumlee, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Tyus Jones. Jones, 28, signed with the Suns during the offseason. The team’s goal was to retool their rotation.
The Phoenix Suns reportedly benched Beal and Nurkic for a few reasons. Beal and Nurkic have the worst overall individual net ratings of -9.3 and -5.3, respectively. Though, Nurkic’s rating isn’t far from Dunn’s rating of -3.7. In addition, the Suns’ starting lineup could benefit from room for improvement, as Beal, Nurkic, Booker, and Durant hold a -4.0 plus-minus — and a -13.0 net rating — with 11.2 minutes per game through 10 games.
Phoenix Suns’ Injury Report
The injury report ruled out Power Forward Royce O’Neale with a left ankle sprain. O’Neal, 31, was the only player on the Suns’ injury report, with his re-evaluation scheduled for later this week. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers’ injury report upgraded Shooting Guard Kelly Oubre to questionable after sustaining a left hand sprain. Oubre, 29, missed the last three games after appearing in 30 straight games.
If Oubre starts in Monday night’s game, it will be Oubre’s 31st start this year. Oubre has been managing to avoid negativity in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the most part. Oubre’s previous stints, especially in Phoenix, Ariz., were plagued with issues, such as monetary fines, undesirable roles, and short contracts. There has been some concern about Oubre from the general public, but 76ers Head Coach Nick Nurse recently reassured the public.
