Suns center JaVale McGee to return from injury Sunday vs. Spurs

Phoenix Suns center JaVale McGee will return to the lineup on Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs after missing time due to left knee soreness, head coach Monty Williams told reporters pregame.

Forward Jae Crowder (left wrist contusion) and center Deandre Ayton (right ankle sprain) will both continue to be sidelined and will be out for Sunday’s game.

Backups Bismack Biyombo and Jalen Smith have filled in the center position well while the bigs have missed time and helped maintain the team’s current nine-game win streak.

McGee has gifted the Suns not only that much-needed backup center role that was missing last season but also serving as a capable player with experience in the starting lineup for when Ayton misses time.

He is averaging 10.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 0.9 blocks on 65.1% shooting from the field. The center averaged 12.0 points with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, but has not averaged double digits since his 2011 season with the Denver Nuggets.

Guard Cam Payne (right wrist sprain), center Frank Kaminsky (right knee stress reaction), wing Abdel Nader (right knee injury management) and center Dario Saric (torn right ACL) also all remain out.

Phoenix takes on San Antonio at 6 p.m. on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.