Phoenix @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 26, 2019 ) L.A. Clippers 122, Phoenix 130

Deandre Ayton returns from a 25-game suspension for testing positive for a diuretic when the Phoenix Suns visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. Ayton was the NBA's third-best rookie last year but played only this season's opener before being suspended the next day.

Ayton, who averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds last season, is eager to return and has regrets about the situation. “Most of all, I disappointed everybody that’s in my circle and I started to just think to myself how my career is gonna be in that one moment, in that one call,” Ayton told Fox Sports Arizona in regard of getting the suspension call from the NBA office. Los Angeles had a four-game winning streak halted Saturday when it suffered a 109-106 road loss to the Chicago Bulls. Star forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) sat out that setback on the second end of a back-to-back and will be back on the floor against Phoenix.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS Arizona (Phoenix), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE SUNS (11-15): Star shooting guard Devin Booker (forearm) has missed the past two games and it will be decided Tuesday whether he plays against the Clippers. Phoenix suffered a 111-110 home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday but prior to the contest positive feelings permeated the locker room with Ayton's return on deck. “I know he’s ready," Suns big man Frank Kaminsky told reporters. "This has been a frustrating process for him, especially for so long having to just see everyone. And he’s healthy, and he’s ready and he knows how much effort and energy he put into improving this season."

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (20-8): Guards Lou Williams (calf) and Patrick Beverley (concussion) hope to return after missing the previous two games while forward JaMychal Green (tailbone) will likely miss his fifth straight game. Forward Paul George scored 27 points in the loss to Chicago, one night after he tallied 46 points and Leonard had 42 to become the first duo in franchise history to top 40 points in a game. Backup power forward Montrezl Harrell scored 30 against the Bulls for his third 30-point effort of the campaign.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Booker scored 30 points as the Suns broke a 12-game losing streak to the Clippers with a 130-122 home victory Oct. 26.

2. Phoenix SF Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 24 points against Portland and has posted 20 or more in eight of the past 16 games.

3. Los Angeles G Landry Shamet (ankle) scored 11 points in 21 minutes against the Bulls after missing the previous 17 games.

PREDICTION: Clippers 119, Suns 108