Suns’ Deandre Ayton returning after 5-game absence due to ankle sprain

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton will return for the Phoenix Suns on Monday in Portland after missing the last five games due to a right ankle sprain.

Ayton was originally ruled out of the game on Sunday’s injury report, but he was upgraded to questionable after fully participating in shootaround on Monday and head coach Monty Williams said pregame he will play.

Ayton sprained his ankle in the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 17, his first game back after a 25-game suspension for testing positive for a diuretic.

In that game, Ayton had 18 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, a similar line to his 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in a season-opening win over the Sacramento Kings, the only other game Ayton has played this season.

With Ayton’s return on Monday, it will be the first game this season the Suns have everyone available.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Ayton had a historically efficient rookie season for a big man. He averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game on 58.5% shooting from the field in his first year, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting behind Luka Doncic and Trae Young.

In Ayton’s place, the team has used reserves Aron Baynes, Frank Kaminsky and Cheick Diallo. The Suns got off to a hot start of 7-4, but have since gone 5-16 for a record of 12-20 heading into Monday night’s game versus Portland.

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