Suns Struggle with Injuries Amid Playoff Push

Phoenix, AZ — The Phoenix Suns‘ hopes of a playoff berth faced another obstacle as star players Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, and Mason Plumlee were ruled out for Wednesday’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings at the PHX Arena.

Plumlee, who did not play in the second half of Monday’s victory over the Toronto Raptors, is sidelined due to a left quad strain. Beal continues to miss time with a left hamstring strain, while Allen is out for a fifth consecutive game due to a left foot injury.

“Starting with Grayson, we’re still hopeful,” Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said before Monday’s game. He initially believed Allen’s injury was short-term. “We’ll see how he does each day, continue to get his rehab and hopefully make progress.”

In Beal’s absence, two-way player Collin Gillespie made his first career start on Monday. Budenholzer expressed concern for Beal’s health, saying, “I feel bad for Brad. We’ve just got to find a way to try to keep him healthy. Hopefully get him right.”

Suns rookie Oso Ighodaro stepped up, playing 14 minutes in the second half and contributing nine points and nine rebounds against Toronto. The Suns (32-37) are aiming to win two consecutive games for the first time since January, following a victory over the Raptors.

Devin Booker led the team in scoring with 27 points in that game, marking the largest margin of victory for the Suns this season. Phoenix remains one game behind the Dallas Mavericks (33-36) for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks play Wednesday at Indiana (38-29).

“We need to win games,” Booker said. “Hopefully (the Mavericks) lose some. We can sneak into that 10, maybe nine spot and handle business when we get there.”

The Suns previously defeated the Chicago Bulls 121-117 and will face them again on Sunday. Despite a strong showing recently, the team must contend with the absence of key players as they strive for a playoff spot.

The Bulls (29-39), who just defeated the Utah Jazz 111-97, will be looking to improve their standing as well. Lonzo Ball remains out with a wrist injury, while Josh Giddey is questionable with an ankle issue.