Phoenix Suns face injury woes as Mark Williams sits out against the Pacers
The Phoenix Suns are gearing up for a challenging matchup against the Indiana Pacers, but they will do so without two significant contributors. On the second night of a back-to-back, the Suns have ruled out starting center Mark Williams due to right knee management issues. Additionally, they will continue to miss Jalen Green, who is sidelined with a right hamstring strain and is slated for re-evaluation in four to six weeks.
Cautious Management of Williams
This marks the second time this season that Williams has been unable to play in the second game of a back-to-back, a precautionary measure taken by the Suns to ensure his long-term health. Given Williams’ past struggles with injuries—having never played more than 44 games in any of his first three seasons—Phoenix is taking a measured approach. Fortunately for the team, this strategy appears to be effective so far, as Williams has avoided any injuries this season.
With Williams out, the Suns will likely turn to Nick Richards and Oso Ighodaro for increased minutes. There is also a possibility that rookie center Khaman Maluach may see some action as they look to fill the void left by their starting center.
Recent Success Amidst the Challenges
Despite the absence of Williams and Green, the Suns have been on a roll lately, winning four consecutive games and six out of their last seven. This impressive streak has come even with Green’s absence, showing the team’s resilience. The Suns currently hold a record of 7-5 and have benefited from some fortunate circumstances during their win streak, with each opponent missing a key player.
Tonight’s game against the Pacers will continue that trend, as Indiana will also be without star guard Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton’s Achilles injury, sustained during last season’s NBA Finals, has left a significant gap in the Pacers’ lineup.
Pacers’ Injury Struggles
The situation is even more dire for Indiana, which is grappling with multiple injuries. In addition to Haliburton, the Pacers will be without Bennedict Mathurin (right great toe sprain), Obi Toppin (right foot stress fracture), Quenton Jackson (right hamstring strain), Johnny Furphy (left ankle sprain), and Kam Jones (lower back stress reaction).
T.J. McConnell, who made his season debut in a loss to the Utah Jazz after missing the first ten games due to a left hamstring strain, is not listed on the injury report and will be looking to make an impact.
As the Suns prepare for this matchup, they hope to extend their winning streak while navigating the complexities of their roster challenges. The absence of key players on both sides adds an intriguing layer to the game, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the season.
