Cleveland Cavaliers vs Phoenix Suns

When the Phoenix Suns host the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Footprint Centre on Saturday, they will continue to aim for a postseason berth.

Conversely, the away club just became the first to guarantee a postseason berth, but they will travel through new territory this weekend after losing three straight games for just the second time this season.

Many would have expected the Phoenix Suns to start the season with a point to prove after their disappointing playoff first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last time out, but regardless of what happens in the final knockout stages of the regular season, it is safe to say they have underperformed.

All-Star players Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell, who scored 31 and 26 points, respectively, and contributed just under half of their team's 119 points in California, did not give up easily, though.

The Cavaliers will be cautious about lowering their standards before postseason action starts, even if they are still far ahead of the Boston Celtics at the top of the East. This season is likely their greatest chance to win a championship for the first time since 2016.

The visitors will play the Utah Jazz and the Trail Blazers at Delta Center and Moda Center, respectively, following their third game of a five-game road trip to Arizona on Saturday.

Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns (hamstring) is not eligible for selection but will be reassessed in the days ahead of a possible comeback.

Both Grayson Allen (foot) and Mason Plumlee (left quadriceps strain) missed the home team's victory over the Chicago Bulls, making them serious concerns for this one.

In the Cavaliers' most recent game, Darius Garland was rested; however, the point guard is anticipated to return this weekend.

This should see Dean Wade slip back to the replacements' bench following a rare start for the 28-year-old against the Sacramento Kings last time out.