The Oklahoma City Thunder will have their newest signing break into the starting lineup, as head coach Billy Donovan plans to give Corey Brewer the nod at shooting guard tonight against the Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN's Royce Young.

Brewer has played a very limited role with the Los Angeles Lakers prior to being bought out of his contract and he's not likely to play very many minutes under this starting role.

Donovan said he’s making this sudden change in hopes to get a good look at Brewer with the starters, but noted he likes the experience and defense Brewer adds to the group.

The Thunder have been hurting since losing Andre Roberson for the season, and the void left by his intense defensive play hasn't been felt any more vividly than now, having slipped to seventh place in the Western Conference.

The bottom four teams in the playoff picture have struggled to keep afloat, seemingly exchanging places on the board after every day passes, with only a hair of a margin of error for either to make.

Brewer should help play a role similar to Roberson, using his length and defensive savvy to get on passing lanes, block shots, and get the break started for a team that loves to push the ball in transition.

OKC will still count with Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony as scoring options, allowing Brewer to make his impact felt at the defensive end and no worry about much else.