Suns’ Deandre Ayton out vs. Trail Blazers with left knee soreness
May 13, 2021, 5:21 PM | Updated: 6:44 pm
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) shoots as Sacramento Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, April 15, 2021, in Phoenix.(AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
The Phoenix Suns will be without their big man when they take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.
Center Deandre Ayton is officially listed as out with left knee soreness, head coach Monty Williams said during his pregame media availability.
Ayton joins Cam Johnson and Abdel Nader on the injury report, both of whom were already ruled out of the contest.
Thursday night’s absence will mark the first on the year for Ayton, who hadn’t missed any time this season (69 starts), averaging 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 blocks over 30.7 minutes per game.
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The Suns could turn to Frank Kaminsky to pick up the slack against a Trail Blazers side looking to stay out of the play-in tournament.
Kaminsky has averaged 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists over 20.1 minutes per game over the last three contests.
Dario Saric is also an option to earn more playing time with Ayton sitting out.
The Suns have just three games remaining in the regular season. Entering play Thursday, Phoenix is 1.5 games behind the Utah Jazz for the top spot in the Western Conference.
Tune to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station at 7 p.m. as the Suns look for their 49th win of the season.
