Suns start Oso Ighodaro over Khaman Maluach vs. Magic

The Phoenix Suns started Oso Ighodaro over center Khaman Maluach for the first time this season on Thursday night against the Orlando Magic.

Maluach started the Suns’ first six games of the year, with Ighodaro coming off the bench. However, the Marquette product also missed two games due to an oblique injury.

Through six games, Maluach had struggled to find a rhythm, averaging 7.2 points, six rebounds, 1.2 assists and one block in 19.3 minutes per game.

Ighodaro, on the other hand, has provided a spark off the bench and has actually averaged more minutes per game despite not starting. He is averaging 8.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and one block in 20.8 minutes per game.

The third-year player’s ability as a facilitator has been a difference-maker. The Suns (1-5) have struggled this season, and maybe a change in the starting lineup can shake things up on Thursday.

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