The Phoenix Suns will tip off their preseason against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Acrisure Arena tonight at 10 p.m. ET. After an offseason marked by activity, the fans will witness the Suns’ new roster in action for the first time. Unfortunately, recent reports have suggested that Phoenix will be heading into this matchup shorthanded.
Jalen Green and Mark Williams are expected to be out of the rotation for the game against the Lakers. Suns head coach Jordan Ott provided an update on Williams’ current condition while speaking with The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin and said, “We’re trying to assess exactly where he is. The goal is there at the end of camp get him as ready as he can. He’s on a good path. Like I said, every drill work you’ve seen him in. Just not the live 5-on-5.
Williams, who was acquired over the summer in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, while healthy, has seen limited involvement in training camp activities.
His addition has been crucial to the rotation, which has seemed thin after significant transactions over the summer. As an athletic big man with defensive upside, Williams will be crucial in fortifying the team’s interior presence on both ends of the floor. Having averaged 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds, to go with 1.2 blocks per game, he could be a key contributor in their efforts this season.
Along with the big man, with Green sidelined, the Suns will also be understaffed in the backcourt.
Jalen Green is reportedly dealing with a “low-grade” hamstring injury, according to the Suns’ head coach. While this doesn’t raise concerns regarding his long-term availability, Ott’s statement could suggest that he could miss the entirety of preseason. He said, “He’ll be with us in China. He’ll do what he can to see where we’re at in preseason, but we know the goal is that (Oct. 22 season opener).”
While Williams’ absence could still be addressed by players such as Nick Richards and rookie Khaman Maluach, who could receive a lot of playing time in preseason, not having Green could be a challenge.
Green has effectively been positioned as Devin Booker’s running mate this season. As a reliable scoring option with ball-handling upside, Green acts as a solid counterpoint to Booker in Phoenix’s system.
Last season, the young guard averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, shooting 42.3% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range. Although he has positioned himself as a scoring threat, the upcoming season could see him expand his horizons as he embraces the role of a facilitator for the Suns.
With the two key rotation players out of the starting lineup, the Suns may have to alter their strategies for the game against the Lakers. However, they won’t be the only team featuring injured players.
The Lakers are also expected to see four players sidelined for the preseason opener, including their superstar LeBron James. In this regard, tonight’s game is likely to see frequent substitutions as both teams prioritize a cautious approach.
