Preview: Suns Look to Solidify Playoff Position Against Struggling Grizzlies

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Phoenix Suns, clinging to playoff positioning in the Western Conference, visit the lottery-bound Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night at FedExForum.

Phoenix (40-33) enters on a two-game skid, including a narrow 125-123 home loss to Denver last Tuesday. The Suns have lost five of their last eight but remain in the thick of the conference’s play-in tournament scramble. Guard Jalen Green has been a consistent offensive catalyst, averaging 21.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists over his last 10 games. He scored 21 points with six rebounds and six assists in the loss to the Nuggets.

The Memphis Grizzlies (24-49) own the second-worst record in the West and have dropped nine of their last 10 contests. Their most recent outing was a 119-109 home loss to Houston on Friday. Forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper is coming off a career-high 31-point, seven-rebound performance in that defeat, providing a bright spot in a difficult season.

The teams have split two meetings this season. Memphis won 114-113 in Phoenix on Oct. 29, but the Suns responded with a 117-98 victory in Memphis on Jan. 7.

For Phoenix, this contest begins a critical three-game road trip against sub-.500 opponents, offering a prime opportunity to bank wins before a tough closing schedule. The Suns face Orlando and Charlotte after this stop.

Memphis continues a lengthy homestand, seeking to build momentum before a daunting six-game road trip to end its season, starting Wednesday against Dallas.

The Suns will rely on their backcourt of Green and Devin Booker, who is averaging 22.0 points and 8.0 assists over his last five games, to overwhelm a Grizzlies defense that has allowed an average of 124.3 points over its last 10 outings. Memphis will look for another high-output game from Prosper and guard Cam Spencer, who dished out 10 assists against Houston.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT.