Grayson Allen 'Day-to-Day' as Suns Face Blazers in Play-In Game The Phoenix Suns are preparing for their NBA Play-In game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 14, with guard Grayson Allen listed as questionable due to a left hamstring injury. Allen, who has been a key contributor for the Suns this season, is expected to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, according to head coach Jordan Ott. The Suns’ injury report for the game includes Allen as the sole listed concern, with Ott expressing confidence in the team’s readiness for the matchup. Allen’s injury timeline began during the Suns’ April 10 game against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he sustained left hamstring soreness in the first half. The injury forced him to sit out the second half of that contest. He did not play in the Suns’ final regular-season game on April 12 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a 135-103 victory for Phoenix. Despite his absence, the Suns secured their win, maintaining their position in the Western Conference standings. Allen’s status for the Play-In game remains uncertain, though Ott noted that the team is “in a good place” and has “all hands on deck” to prepare for the matchup. The Suns, ranked No. 7 in the West, face the No. 8-seeded Blazers in a critical contest to determine the seventh playoff seed. The winner of the game will secure a first-round series against the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs on April 19, while the loser will face the winner of the 9-10 game between the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors for the eighth seed. That team would then meet the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a first-round matchup starting April 19.#phoenix_suns #portland_trail_blazers #jordan_ott #mortgage_matchup_center #grayson_allen
Suns Get Grayson Allen Boost vs Nuggets The Phoenix Suns will have Grayson Allen available for tonight’s game against the Denver Nuggets, providing the team with a key addition ahead of Tuesday’s matchup. Allen, who had been sidelined due to a knee injury, is now cleared to play after a brief absence. His return is expected to bolster the Suns’ offensive and defensive capabilities as they prepare for a challenging contest. Allen’s availability comes after he missed the previous two games, with the knee injury persisting since the All-Star break. His absence had left the team without one of its most versatile players, particularly in terms of scoring and playmaking. With his return, the Suns aim to regain their rhythm and capitalize on his ability to create opportunities both offensively and defensively. The game is set for just past 8:00 PM Arizona time and will be broadcast nationally on NBC/Peacock. Coach Jordan Ott expressed confidence in Allen’s readiness, stating, “He’s got to feel right. He plays at such a high level. We love what he does for our team.” Allen’s contributions this season have been significant, with averages of 17.2 points, three rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His three-point shooting remains a standout skill, but his growth in defending and cutting to the rim has also made him a more well-rounded threat. The Nuggets, meanwhile, have dominated their recent matchups against the Suns, securing both games in the previous season and maintaining a four-game winning streak against them. Coach Ott acknowledged the challenge posed by Denver’s star player, Nikola Jokic, noting his unique ability to adjust to different defensive strategies during the game. “Jokic is as unique as you see,” Ott said. “He has the ability to call out different coverages as the game goes on.#denver_nuggets #phoenix_suns #nikola_jokic #jordan_ott #grayson_allen
Phoenix Suns Update: Booker's Return, Green's Struggles, and Williams' Offensive Challenges Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker has returned to full practice participation after missing the team’s previous four games due to a right hip strain. Coach Jordan Ott reported that Booker has continued to progress, engaging in live 5-on-5 drills during March 1 practice. The five-time All-Star, who averages 24.7 points and 6.1 assists per game, strained his hip in a Feb. 19 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Ott emphasized that Booker’s ability to participate in live action helps maintain team rhythm, even with extended breaks between games. The Suns, currently 34-26, have not played since a Feb. 26 win over the Los Angeles Lakers and will face the NBA-worst Sacramento Kings on March 3. Booker’s status for the upcoming game remains uncertain, though Ott noted his recent practice sessions show improvement. Jalen Green, meanwhile, continues to struggle with a shooting slump. The 24-year-old forward, playing in just 12 games this season due to a right hamstring injury, has shot 21-of-75 from the field in his last four contests, including a dismal 5-of-33 from beyond the arc. Coach Ott attributed Green’s struggles to conditioning issues, noting that the young player has never faced such challenges before. Despite his low efficiency, Green’s recent five-game streak after the All-Star break is a positive sign. Ott acknowledged Green’s need to regain rhythm but praised his effort to stay engaged. Mark Williams has also faced offensive challenges, scoring just 21 points in four games on 27 shot attempts. The 7-foot center, who averages 11.6 points on 63.5% shooting, has struggled with foul trouble, accumulating four fouls in a recent game.#phoenix_suns #devin_booker #jalen_green #mark_williams #jordan_ott
Phoenix Suns Players Navigate Injuries And Recovery Devin Booker, the Suns' star shooting guard, participated in 5-on-5 drills during Sunday’s practice, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. The 29-year-old has missed the last four games due to a right hip strain. Head coach Jordan Ott emphasized Booker’s understanding of his own body, noting his “incredible recovery” and ability to gauge when he’s ready to return. Ott praised Booker’s progress, stating that the player “knows how he’s supposed to feel” when he’s healthy and ready to play. Backup guard Jordan Goodwin, meanwhile, is recovering from a left calf strain. Ott revealed Goodwin is gradually increasing his activity, having returned to the court recently. While Booker is further along in his recovery, Goodwin is beginning to progress toward full participation. Ott noted that Goodwin’s return will be evaluated within the next week. The Suns’ roster has also seen other players dealing with injuries. Starting center Mark Williams, a restricted free agent this summer, has struggled in recent games. Over his past six contests, Williams has averaged 6.3 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 39.5% from the field—well below his season averages of 11.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 63.5% shooting. Coach Ott highlighted Booker’s potential to elevate Williams’ performance, stating that Booker’s return will “make all of our lives better,” not just for Williams but for the entire team. Jalen Green, another Suns player, has faced a significant shooting slump in his last four games. Averaging 12.8 points over that span, Green has shot just 21-of-75 (28.0%) from the field. Ott attributed part of Green’s struggles to his conditioning, as the player missed most of the season after repeatedly straining his right hamstring.#phoenix_suns #devin_booker #jordan_goodwin #mark_williams #jordan_ott
