PHOENIX — The NBA season has officially started to pick up steam – and the Phoenix Suns have reaped the rewards of a fast start to the season, battling through a stretch of pretty tough games to start the year at 4 -1.

Tonight, the Suns will host the 2-4 Portland Trail Blazers at the Footprint Center tonight in what could be a test of Phoenix’s focus on a hectic November slate.

Three things to watch ahead of tonight’s game:

Starting guard Bradley Beal announced his intention to play in tonight’s game during this afternoon’s practice after missing Thursday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers with an elbow injury.

Beal entered this season with a similar statistical profile to last year, but he has looked significantly better from an eye exam standpoint despite some soreness in his right arm.

Beal will continue to look to contribute to winning basketball and silencing doubters in what could be a special season for the Suns. Portland is a perfect opportunity for a vintage 30-point performance for the former scoring champ.

Rookie phenom Ryan Dunn has had a stellar start to his NBA career – he even garnered Rookie of the Year hype after being selected 29th overall in June.

Dunn shot 44% from three-point range this season while being the primary defender for each opposition’s offensive engine – all while fitting seamlessly into the starting five in two starts.

This raises a very valid question: Will Dunn get substantial playing time with Beal returning – especially considering the impact Royce O’Neale has had thus far.

It’s still very possible that coach Mike Budenholzer will find creative ways to integrate the young winger into various rotations – especially against an opponent who could prove to be a mismatch.

The second-year Suns shooting guard has had a pretty lukewarm start to the campaign – shooting just 23.1 percent in three to three appearances so far.

The new sixth man role has surely been an adjustment for the Duke product – and so has his new frame.

However, it must be assumed that his shot will be rediscovered shortly and this slow start is just a flash in the pan.

This game is arguably a lot more about resolving personnel issues and fixing common issues/mistakes than it is about taking on the opponent – it only seems like Allen is showing who he was last season for the first time in 2024-25 This evening.

The tip-off is scheduled for shortly after 7:00 p.m. local time this evening.