Suns start Bismack Biyombo vs. Rockets with Deandre Ayton out
Oct 30, 2022, 5:33 PM | Updated: 5:39 pm
Bismack Biyombo #18 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after scoring against the Utah Jazz during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on January 24, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated Jazz 115-109. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Center Bismack Biyombo will take center Deandre Ayton’s spot in the starting lineup for the Phoenix Suns against the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
He will join the four regular Suns starters: Chris Paul and Devin Booker at guard, with Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson at forward.
Ayton will miss his first game of the season with a left ankle sprain.
Ayton exited their 124-111 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday in the first quarter after landing on center Jonas Valanciunas’ foot awkwardly. His ankle will be reevaluated in a week, the team said.
The 27-year-old Landale has been a surprise contributor off the bench early on, averaging 9.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in just 16.2 minutes of action per night.
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Biyombo has been utilized as the third center and has made just two appearances. He played a season-high 23 minutes Friday, tallying 11 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks.
Ayton was averaging 15.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in his first five games (26 minutes per outing).
The Rockets will start Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Jae’Sean Tate and Alperen Sengun.
Houston on Sunday is without veteran shooting guard Eric Gordon (right knee maintenance), rookie guard TyTy Washington (left knee sprain) and big man Bruno Fernando (left knee soreness).
Tune to Arizona Sports 98.7, the Arizona Sports app or ArizonaSports.com for the Rockets-Suns game. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MST.
