PHOENIX SUNS

Suns center JaVale McGee out vs. 76ers with non-COVID illness

Mar 26, 2022, 5:52 PM
JaVale McGee #00 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 02, 2021 i...
JaVale McGee #00 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 02, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Pelicans 112-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Phoenix Suns will be without their backup center JaVale McGee on Sunday at Footprint Center.

McGee has been ruled out against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a non-COVID-19 illness, per the team’s latest injury report.

Sunday’s contest will mark just the seventh game the 34-year-old seven-footer will miss in his first season in the Valley.

In 68 games for the Suns this year (14 starts), McGee is averaging 9.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 15.5 minutes per game.

Phoenix’s backup center is also shooting 63.9% from the field and 71.1% from the free throw line this season.

With the likes of league MVP candidate Joel Embiid coming into town, third-string center Bismack Biyombo could see more playing time in McGee’s absence.

Biyombo has appeared in 30 games for Phoenix in his first season in the Valley, three of which were starts.

In that time he has garnered a 27-3 record in contests he participates in and averaged 5.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 13.2 minutes per game.

The Suns will continue to be without wing Cam Johnson due to a quad injury he suffered in his career-high 38-point showing on March 4 that culminated in a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to sink the New York Knicks, 115-114.

However, Johnson did return to practice on Saturday for the first time since that ballgame.

The Suns host the Sixers on Sunday at 3 p.m. on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

Phoenix Suns

Chris Paul #3 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns celebrate after defeating the Minnesota Timb...
Kellan Olson

Phoenix Suns claw to scrappy win in Kevin Durant’s home debut

Kevin Durant's home debut did not go the way anyone expected but the Phoenix Suns were still able to get an important win.
11 hours ago
Devin Booker #1 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns stand on the court during a timeout form t...
Dan Bickley

Suns victory over Timberwolves outweighs celebration of Durant’s home opener

The Suns forged a collective triumph on a night that began as a celebration of one, beating the Timberwolves 107-100.
11 hours ago
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards ...
Arizona Sports

Kevin Durant drops 1st bucket at home for Suns in win vs. Timberwolves

Kevin Durant started and dropped a turnaround jumper over Minnesota Timberwolves F Jaden McDaniels from the left shoulder.
1 day ago
Incoming Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia claps during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Foo...
Character Counts

Suns owner Mat Ishbia, fan team up to give away suite tickets

New Suns majority owner Mat Ishbia is finding a new ways to ingratiate himself with the community by teaming up with fan, Andrew Leezus.
1 day ago
Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after scoring in the second half against the Chicago Bu...
Arizona Sports

Suns’ Kevin Durant will return Wednesday vs. Timberwolves

Phoenix Suns GM and president of basketball operations James Jones said he expected Kevin Durant to play Wednesday against the Timberwolves.
1 day ago
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns warms up before a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on...
Kellan Olson

Devin Booker’s lifelong dream of Nike signature shoe reportedly on horizon

Devin Booker's completion rate on his bucket list puts just about all of us to shame. A signature shoe with Nike is the next box to check.
1 day ago
Suns center JaVale McGee out vs. 76ers with non-COVID illness