Suns forward Cam Johnson, Blazers guards Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons out Saturday

The Phoenix Suns suffered a setback when starting forward Cam Johnson left Friday’s contest with the Portland Trail Blazers with a right knee injury in the first quarter and was seen on crutches postgame.

The Suns announced Johnson will miss the second contest of the two-game mini-series with Portland on Saturday. Guard Cam Payne (left foot soreness) and forward Ish Wainright (personal reasons) remain out for Phoenix. Guard Duane Washington Jr. will be available on Saturday.

Johnson has filled in nicely in the starting role for Jae Crowder. Johnson has averaged 16 points per game on 44.6% shooting (43.1% from three), 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals. He has also been impressive on the defensive end, posting a 108.9 defensive rating through 8 games.

Portland will be without stars Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, its two leading scorers that averaged a combined 53.0 points per game, the team announced. Despite not having either player in Friday’s contest, the Trail Blazers were able to take a 108-106 win at the buzzer.

In Friday’s game, Blazers guard Jerami Grant dumped in a game-high 30 points to pair with five rebounds, two assists and of course, the game winner.

The teams both sit at 6-2 on the season (both Suns losses have come to Portland) and the winner will take sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.

Catch the first tip at 7 p.m. on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, the Arizona Sports app and ArizonaSports.com.