The Phoenix Suns take on the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on Friday night.

The Suns (1-0) got the new season off to a rousing start Wednesday night, impressively disposing of the Sacramento Kings by a 124-96 score. However, they'll have to play Friday without Deandre Ayton, who was suspended for 25 games by the NBA on Thursday for testing positive for a diuretic. Ayton had managed an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double in Wednesday's opener. Devin Booker led the way with 22 points and also dished out 10 assists, pulled down two rebounds and recorded one steal. Kelly Oubre, Jr. delivered 21 points, nine rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Ricky Rubio generated an 11-point, 11-assist double-double in his first game for the Suns, adding six rebounds and four steals.

In addition to Ayton, the Suns will be without rookie Cameron Johnson (calf) for Friday's contest.

The Nuggets (1-0) prevailed in their first game of the season as well, toppling the Portland Trail Blazers, 108-100, on Wednesday night. Nikola Jokic furnished 20 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Will Barton supplied 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Jamal Murray tallied 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Paul Millsap collected 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.

The Nuggets will likely list Bol Bol (foot) as questionable at best for Friday's contest after he missed the regular-season opener.

The Nuggets won the 2018-19 season series between the teams by a 3-1 margin.