Phoenix Suns Face Injury Challenge Before Clippers Showdown

PHOENIX, AZ — The Phoenix Suns are dealing with injuries ahead of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night. Starting center Mark Williams is now questionable due to an illness, while Dillon Brooks remains questionable with a core injury.

The game is set to tip off just after 8:30 PM MST. The Suns are looking to build on their recent victory over the Clippers, where they won 115-102 just two nights ago. If Williams is unable to play, Suns coach Jordan Ott has previously favored Oso Ighodaro as a starting option. Nick Richards and Khaman Maluach are also potential replacements for Williams at the five spot.

Williams has been a key player for the Suns this season, averaging 12.3 points and 10 rebounds per game. The team has been cautious with his health history since acquiring him from the Charlotte Hornets. General manager Brian Gregory recently emphasized the importance of managing Williams’ condition carefully as he has not played more than 44 games in a season over his three-year NBA career.

“The one thing we have to remember about Mark, he’s 23 years old,” Gregory said at Suns Media Day. “He has a bright future here in Phoenix, so when it comes to moving it forward, we’re going to be strategic, we’re going to be smart.”

Grayson Allen has also been added to the injury report as questionable due to illness. He has started all eight games for Phoenix this season and is averaging 16.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and five assists per game. His three-point shooting at 38.9% ranks fourth on the team.

For the Clippers, they are bringing back James Harden, who was out for personal reasons, but they will again be without Kawhi Leonard due to an ankle injury.

With the Suns hoping to achieve full health for the first time this season, the upcoming game against the Clippers is crucial for maintaining their momentum. Jalen Green’s return to the lineup alongside Devin Booker could further enhance their scoring opportunities.

“Feel like our offense has a lot of spacing, and it allows us to get up a lot of threes and allows us to play fast,” Green stated after the last game. The final decision on Allen’s status will be revealed closer to game time, as coach Ott is expected to provide updates in a pre-game press conference.