With Suns struggling, Jay Triano likely to juggle starting lineup

Suns interim coach Jay Triano has been reluctant to alter his starting lineup this season, but after five losses in six games, that may be about to change.

Triano indicated Thursday that he likely would change his starting lineup for Friday’s game against the New York Knicks at Talking Stick Resort Arena. He declined to say what changes he would make, but several factors are playing into his thinking.

First, Marquese Chriss, who has missed the past six games with a strained right hip, participated in a full practice Thursday and, barring a setback, expects to play against New York.

“Today is the best overall that I felt,” Chriss said. “I got a little winded, not having played for two weeks, but I’m feeling good.”

In the five games before his injury – excluding the Oklahoma City game in which he got hurt – Chriss averaged 14.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game and shot 50 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from 3-point range.

He could slide into the starting lineup at power forward, moving Dragan Bender back to the bench. In his past five games, Bender is averaging just 3.2 points per game while shooting 28.6 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from 3-point range.

Bender also isn’t getting to the free-throw line; he’s had just one free-throw attempt in the past 13 games.

Second, T.J. Warren bumped knees during Thursday’s practice and is listed as questionable for Friday’s game. If he can’t play, Josh Jackson would take his place.

Finally, Triano said a “lack of good play” is a factor. That could indicate a change at point guard. Tyler Ulis is averaging just 5.6 points per game in January and shooting 33.9 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from 3-point range. He’s also struggled on the defensive end, not because of a lack of effort but a lack of size. At 5-feet-10 and 150 pounds, Ulis has trouble keeping bigger guards out of the lane and defending them in the post.

Backup Isaiah Canaan is only 6-feet but he’s built more physically at 201 pounds, and he gives the Suns the threat of a 3-point shooter at the position; Canaan is shooting 37.5 percent from 3-point range in 15 games with Phoenix.

“I have a lot of things to think about,” Triano said.

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Chriss’ return

Chriss said it’s been difficult to watch the Suns struggle without him.

“It’s disappointing to see my team lose, and I can’t really do anything to help,” he said.

Chriss was asked if he can bring some energy to the Suns with the way he plays.

“I wouldn’t even say specifically it’s my energy,” he said. “I would just say in general we’re lacking energy. I think we could play a little bit harder and a little bit more physical. And if that’s what I bring, then I hope that’s what will help our team win.”

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Bender’s play

Triano said that Bender's one free throw-attempt in the past 13 games – he’s shot just 21 all season – isn't ideal, but he said that part of Bender’s game would improve as he gains both lower and upper body strength.

“As part of our development we’ve talked about being able to stretch the floor and shoot the ball from the outside,” Triano said. “That’s the one skill before we move on to another. I think because of the way he’s been shooting it (Bender is shooting 36.4 percent from 3-point range), he’s got guys running at him and he puts it on the floor and goes to the basket. As he becomes stronger, he’ll be able to absorb contact and finish, but right now he’s making basketball plays.”

Attitude adjustment

Guard Devin Booker said it’s time for the Suns to match the physicality of their opponents, adding that Phoenix was “manhandled” in losses to Indiana and Milwaukee.

“It’s not even an Xs-and-Os thing for us,” Booker said. “Just pride. … We have it in practice every day where we want to fight each other (in the right way) but we get on the court and get shy. As a team, including myself, we all have to come together and have more of a nasty attitude on the court.”

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Friday's game

Knicks at Suns

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena

TV/radio: FSAZ/KTAR 98.7 FM

Update: The Suns have lost five of their past six games and are coming off a loss to Indiana in which they trailed by as many as 38 points in the third quarter. Phoenix expects to get Marquese Chriss back after he missed six straight games with a strained right hip. The Knicks were 21-27 heading into Thursday’s road game at Denver, part of a season-long seven-game road trip. Kristaps Porzingis had 37 points in the first matchup between the two teams, but he’s been bothered by knee irritation and there’s some question as to whether he’ll be able to play in a back-to-back.