3 questions entering Suns-Blazers rematch as Portland handed Phoenix lone loss last month

Phoenix (6-1) brings a five-game winning streak into Friday’s home game against Portland (5-2) at Footprint Center.

The Trail Blazers are the only team to beat the Suns this season. Anfernee Simons hit the game-winner over Mikal Bridges with 7.2 seconds left in overtime.

Portland finished plus-16 from the line in last month’s thriller. Going 31-of-36, the Blazers made more free throws than Phoenix (15-of-21) attempted at Moda Center.

Dallas and Portland attempted 34 and 36 free throws, respectively, against Phoenix to open the season. Phoenix's next five opponents – Clippers, Warriors, Pelicans, Rockets and Timberwolves – averaged 21.8 FTAs and none reached 30.

For subscribers: 5 takeaways from Suns' overtime road loss to Portland Trail Blazers

This will be the first of a back-to-back between the Suns and Blazers at Footprint Center. Friday’s 7 p.m. game will be on Bally Sports Arizona while NBA TV and Bally Sports Arizona are televising Saturday’s 7 p.m. matchup.

Here are three questions going into Friday's game:

Will Damian Lillard return during the back-to-back?

He’s listed as out for Friday’s game with the right calf strain suffered on Oct. 26 against Miami. Lillard was scheduled to be out for one to two weeks with the injury.

It’s been a little over a week since the setback.

Suns coach Monty Williams said after Thursday’s practice they’re preparing as if Lillard is going to play.

A return by Lillard would sure make this a lot more interesting. Not only did he score 41 in leading Portland past the Suns, but Lillard also had words for Deandre Ayton before Ayton missed the front end of two free throws with Phoenix down two with 1.2 seconds left in overtime.

Ayton missed the second one on purpose, Jock Landale got the offensive rebound, but missed the putback at the buzzer. Ayton is listed as probable for Friday’s game as he’s missed the previous two with a left ankle sprain suffered in last week’s win against New Orleans.

Just seeing Ayton and Lillard on the court together after what happened the last time they played and watching for any interaction between the two is worth the price of admission alone.

Can Cam Johnson keep it going?

He’s averaging 21.3 points in his last three games, made 12 total 3s in his last two games and is coming off a season-high 29-point blast in leading the Suns past the Timberwolves on Tuesday.

Johnson is averaging career highs in points per game (14.9) and 3-point percentage (44%), but is actually shooting a career-low 72.7% from the line.

The guy is a career 83.8% free throw shooter.

He certainly has a rhythm going from 3, is playing with a ton of confidence, but curious to see if Portland tries to take him out of the game.

Expectations for Ayton?

He’s been working to get back sooner than later.

Ayton was supposed to have a re-evaluation of the ankle before Phoenix began a four-game road trip Monday at Philadelphia. If he plays as expected, that’s a good sign moving forward into that always-anticipated matchup against Joel Embiid.

Before looking forward, Ayton could have his hands full with Jusuf Nurkic.

The Blazers big posted a double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds in the Oct. 21 overtime win.

Ayton went for a season-high 26 points, but only grabbed six boards. Nurkic nearly had more offensive boards (4) than Ayton had total rebounds.

Ayton should be refreshed, recharged and motivated to have a big game, but how quickly can he regain his timing and rhythm will play a key role in that.

Read more: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns picks, predictions, odds: Who wins NBA game Friday?

Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Can Phoenix Suns keep Portland Trail Blazers off FT line in rematch?