The Phoenix Suns are looking to reset after a tough weekend, dropping back-to-back games to two of the Western Conference’s top-tier teams - the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder and the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Now sitting at 12-9, the Suns are heading into a four-game road trip, starting Monday night with a marquee matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers (14-4).
The good news? Reinforcements are on the way.
Ryan Dunn and Mark Williams Expected to Return
The Suns are expected to get a key piece of their rotation back in Ryan Dunn. The second-year forward has missed the last five games with a wrist sprain, but he's been cleared to return and is slated to be in the lineup against the Lakers. That’s a significant boost for a team that’s leaned on Dunn’s energy and versatility early in the season.
Through 16 games, Dunn has carved out a meaningful role, averaging 8.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting an efficient 47.8% from the field. He’s not the flashiest name on the roster, but his impact is felt on both ends - whether it’s disrupting passing lanes, crashing the boards, or providing timely buckets in transition. His return gives Phoenix a much-needed two-way presence, especially against a Lakers team that thrives on physicality and pace.
Mark Williams is also expected to suit up after missing Saturday’s game in Denver. While Williams has dealt with a lingering knee issue this season, it was calf soreness that kept him sidelined over the weekend. The big man’s interior presence - both as a rim protector and lob threat - adds depth to a frontcourt that’s been tested by injuries and tough matchups.
Health Update: Allen and Goodwin Cleared, Green and Livers Still Out
Grayson Allen and Jordan Goodwin, both of whom were listed on the injury report prior to Saturday’s game, are good to go for Monday’s contest. Allen had been dealing with a quad contusion, while Goodwin was nursing an ankle sprain. Their availability gives the Suns some stability in the backcourt rotation, especially in terms of perimeter shooting and on-ball defense.
However, the Suns will still be without Jalen Green, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Monday will mark his 12th straight missed game - a tough blow for a team that could use his scoring punch and athleticism on the wing. Isaiah Livers is also out with a hip strain, continuing a frustrating string of absences for the forward.
What This Means Heading Into the Lakers Matchup
The Lakers are one of the league’s most balanced teams at this point in the season, and facing them on the road is always a challenge - especially when LeBron James and Anthony Davis are in rhythm. But with Dunn and Williams back in the fold, the Suns are better equipped to match L.A.’s physicality and depth.
This road trip could be a defining stretch for Phoenix. They’ve shown flashes of what they can be when healthy, but consistency has been elusive. Monday’s game offers a chance to re-establish rhythm, get key players back into the mix, and set the tone for the rest of the trip.
The Suns have the talent. Now it’s about putting the pieces back together - and it starts in Los Angeles.