Suns center Deandre Ayton out vs. Celtics with non-COVID-19 illness

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton is out Friday night against the Boston Celtics with a non-COVID-19 illness, head coach Monty Williams told reporters pregame.

Ayton was ruled questionable earlier Friday after he came off the floor during shootaround. He was not feeling well, and Williams said he got worse throughout the day.

Friday will be Ayton’s seventh game missed this season.

The fourth-year center had been playing very well lately, averaging 19.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game over his most recent four outings.

The Suns have managed without him, winning the previous six contests. But this time is different because they are also missing reserve center Frank Kaminsky (knee) and All-Star guard Devin Booker (hamstring) due to injuries.

Monty Williams said they got Deandre Ayton off the floor this morning once it was clear he wasn’t feeling well and he got worse throughout the day.

When asked about Jalen Smith potentially playing tonight he said “we’ll see.”

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) December 11, 2021

Williams did not have a timeline for Booker’s return.

JaVale McGee will start in place of Ayton, while Landry Shamet will continue to fill in for Booker.

The Celtics will be without starting guard Jaylen Brown due to a hamstring issue. Backup guard Josh Richardson is also out as he was placed in COVID-19 health and safety protocols earlier on Friday.

The game will tip off at 8 p.m. You can tune in on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

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