Injury Woes Hinder Suns and Hawks Ahead of Sunday Showdown
In a highly anticipated matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks, injuries have cast a shadow over the court. As both teams prepare to clash at Mortgage Matchup Arena, several key players will be sidelined, significantly impacting their respective lineups.
Phoenix Suns Missing Key Players
The Suns continue to feel the absence of Jalen Green, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury that has plagued him since preseason. Green’s only full appearance this season came in a remarkable game where he scored 29 points in just 23 minutes. Unfortunately, the Suns have only been able to deploy their complete starting lineup once this year, a testament to the injury challenges they’ve faced.
Suns head coach Jordan Ott expressed the team’s disappointment regarding Green’s extended absence. “Someone that you’ve seen work his way back, have such a great Game 1, and knowing who he is, what he’s all about, he wants to play basketball,” Ott noted, reflecting on the team’s struggles following the loss of such a dynamic player. Green is tentatively expected to return around Christmas, but his recent re-injury has added uncertainty to that timeline.
In addition to Green, Grayson Allen will also miss his first game of the season due to a quad contusion sustained during practice. Although Ott described Allen’s condition as day-to-day, he emphasized the importance of careful management, stating, “We’ll continue to see how he gets out of this… It doesn’t seem too bad.” Allen has been enjoying a standout season, shooting over 44% from beyond the arc and recently setting a franchise record for three-pointers in a game.
Atlanta Hawks Navigating Through Adversity
On the other side of the court, the Hawks are grappling with the absence of star point guard Trae Young, who has been sidelined since October 29 with an MCL sprain. Young managed to participate in only five games before the injury took its toll. Reports suggest that he narrowly avoided more severe damage to his knee, providing a glimmer of hope for his return.
Despite Young’s absence, the Hawks have performed admirably, boasting a 6-2 record since he went down. Hawks forward Jalen Johnson commented on the team’s resilience, highlighting their commitment to improvement and teamwork. “Everybody works hard. Everybody’s willing to listen… We take our film sessions very seriously,” Johnson remarked, emphasizing a winning mindset as the key to their success during this challenging period.
Looking Ahead
As both teams prepare for their face-off, the stakes remain high. The Suns and Hawks, both holding a record of 8-5, will be eager to showcase their depth and adaptability in the face of adversity. With crucial players missing, the matchup serves as a test of each team’s resilience and strategic prowess. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as the two squads vie for supremacy on the court.
