Dario Saric out, Elie Okobo could play in Suns’ scrimmage vs. Raptors
Jul 28, 2020, 10:46 AM | Updated: 11:25 am
Dario Saric (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
(AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
The Phoenix Suns will not have starting power forward Dario Saric available for a final scrimmage tune-up opportunity Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors, head coach Monty Williams said before the game.
Saric left Sunday’s scrimmage game against the Boston Celtics after spraining his ankle before halftime and didn’t return. Williams said Monday that the forward was day-to-day and walking normally.
The Suns will start wing Cam Johnson in Saric’s place, running him alongside point guard Ricky Rubio, shooting guard Devin Booker, wing Mikal Bridges and center Deandre Ayton.
Saric had started both of the Suns’ prior exhibition outings in the bubble, scoring 12 points against the Utah Jazz last Thursday and then adding 12 more points, eight rebounds and two assists in just 17 minutes of action before getting hurt against the Celtics.
Against the Raptors, Phoenix could see point guard Elie Okobo earn minutes for the first time. He practiced Monday after joining the team in the Orlando bubble late.
Okobo could be thrown into action as Williams has utilized bench lineups of three guards: Cam Payne, Ty Jerome and Jevon Carter.
Williams added Tuesday that center Aron Baynes, who arrived at Disney World on Monday, remains away from the team per the NBA’s coronavirus guidlines. Forward Kelly Oubre Jr. is also unavailable as he recovers from a torn meniscus surgery.
