Deandre Ayton upgraded to probable for road opener against Denver

From questionable to probable, Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton is expected be ready to go for the Suns first road challenge of the season against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.

BY TOM KUEBEL

Oct 20, 2018, 12:41 PM

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Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) shoots against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, in Phoenix. The Suns won 121-100. (AP Photo/Matt York)

(AP Photo/Matt York)

From questionable to probable, Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton is expected be ready to go for the Suns first road challenge of the season against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.

Ayton rolled his ankle in a practice on Friday, but seems to have avoided any serious injury.

Concerns about swelling arose due to the high elevation in Denver, but after morning shootaround Ayton was upgraded to a probable designation.

The center impressed in his NBA debut putting up 18 points, 10 rebounds and one block on 8-for-11 shooting and a perfect 2-for-2 from the free throw line.

The rookie could be in for a tough matchup against Nuggets center Nikola Jokic who averages 14.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game through his three-year career in Denver.

Jokic, from Serbia, signed a five-year, $148 million max contract with the Nuggets last offseason.