Suns’ Khaman Maluach making 1st NBA start vs. Mavericks

The Phoenix Suns inserted rookie center Khaman Maluach into their starting lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks at Mortgage Matchup Center. 

The 7-foor-1 rookie out of Duke had not yet started an NBA game, but with Mark Williams sitting for the second night of a back-to-back, the Suns opted to keep Oso Ighodaro coming off the bench and try something different.

Maluach received his longest NBA runway in March with Williams having missed most of the month with a foot injury.

From March 5-30, the rookie averaged 14.3 minutes per game and contributed 4.4 rebounds (1.6 offensive boards), 1.1 blocks and 4.6 points per game.

Maluach has hardly played in the three games since Williams returned. 

The Suns have clinched a spot in the play-in tournament and are holding off the Los Angeles Clippers for the seventh seed. Phoenix entered Wednesday two games ahead of Los Angeles with three to play and the division record tiebreaker still undetermined.

In a 119-105 loss to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, rebounding was a major issue. The Rockets grabbed 24 offensive boards and out-rebounded the Suns 55-34.

Suns-Mavericks lineups

Maluach entered the lineup alongside Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Jordan Goodwin and Jalen Green.

The Mavericks rolled out a starting five of Cooper Flagg, Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, Max Christie and Ryan Nembhard.

The game will air on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app at 7 p.m. MST on Wednesday night.

Related

Mark Williams, Grayson Allen ruled out for Mavericks-SunsJordan Goodwin wins Suns' 2026 Majerle Hustle AwardDillon Brooks credits viral meme to oddly timed LeBron James fan interactionLeBron James is signing with the 76ers after mulling retirementSuns GM on draft pick predicament: ‘We’re always going to be good’The Suns are betting their credibility on Miles Bridges. They better be right.