Excitement in the Valley of the Sun for Phoenix's impressive 124-95 win over the Sacramento Kings in Wednesday's season opener proved short-lived. A day later, the NBA announced that Deandre Ayton -- the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft -- will be suspended 25 games for a violation of the NBA's anti-drug policy after testing positive for a banned diuretic.
While ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the National Basketball Players Association is preparing an arbitration case to reduce or rescind the suspension, the Suns for now have to proceed as if they'll be without their star young center through mid-December. (Ayton would be eligible to return Dec. 17 if he misses the full 25 games.) Can Phoenix maintain the good vibes from Wednesday's win without Ayton?