Phoenix Suns starting two rookies, going big again vs Orlando Magic

Suns experimenting with big lineups, could commit to it long-term

The Phoenix Suns are starting two rookies, Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton, when they take on the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. This is the second time this season that the Suns have started two rookies, as they also did so in their season-opening win over the Dallas Mavericks. The Suns are experimenting with different lineup combinations this season, and they may be starting to settle on a big lineup. They have started Ayton at center, Bridges at power forward, Trevor Ariza at small forward, Devin Booker at shooting guard, and Ricky Rubio at point guard in each of their last two games. This lineup has been effective so far, as the Suns have won both games. They have also been able to play at a faster pace with this lineup, as they have averaged 118.5 points per game in their last two games. The Suns could commit to this big lineup long-term if it continues to be successful. They have a lot of size and athleticism in this lineup, and they could be a tough matchup for many teams.

Could the Suns' big lineup be a problem for the Magic?

The Magic have a lot of size in their frontcourt, with Nikola Vucevic at center and Aaron Gordon at power forward. However, they may have trouble matching up with the Suns' big lineup. Ayton is a 7-footer who is very athletic, and Bridges is a 6-foot-7 wing who can play multiple positions. The Magic may have to double-team Ayton in the post, which could leave Bridges open for three-pointers. The Suns could also try to post up Bridges on Gordon, which could be a mismatch in the Suns' favor. The Magic will need to play well defensively if they want to beat the Suns. They will need to limit Ayton's touches in the post, and they will need to make the Suns miss from three-point range.

Prediction

The Suns are a slight favorite to win this game. They have a lot of size and athleticism in their lineup, and they are playing well at home. The Magic have a lot of talent, but they may have trouble matching up with the Suns' big lineup. I predict the Suns to win 110-105.