Jalen Green just can’t seem to catch a break this season.
After logging only four appearances so far, the Suns guard is once again dealing with the same nagging issue that’s been haunting him all year - a right hamstring injury. Green had just returned to action, suiting up for Phoenix’s recent matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, but his comeback was cut short after he experienced tightness in that same hamstring. Now, he’s back on the injury report, listed as questionable for Sunday’s home game against the Miami Heat.
This isn’t new territory for Green or the Suns. He made his debut with Phoenix back in early November, but that first chapter was quickly put on pause. The hamstring sidelined him for nearly two months, and while his recent return was a welcome sight, Friday’s setback is a reminder of just how tricky soft-tissue injuries can be - especially for explosive guards who rely on quick bursts and lateral movement.
The moment it happened was tough to watch. Green attacked the rim for a layup attempt and immediately grabbed the back of his thigh, signaling trouble. The Suns opted to play it safe, pulling him from the game, and now his status for Sunday remains up in the air.
Phoenix, fresh off a six-game road trip through the Eastern Conference, returns to the Mortgage Matchup Center looking to bounce back from a loss to the Hawks. Hosting the Miami Heat is no small task, but the Suns will be hoping to regain some rhythm on their home floor - ideally with Green back in the rotation.
If Green does suit up, he’ll be facing a team he’s grown familiar with over the years. Since entering the league in 2021, the 6-foot-4 guard has played the Heat eight times, averaging a solid 15.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. While those aren’t eye-popping numbers, they reflect a steady contributor against one of the league’s more disciplined defensive units.
His most recent outing against Miami came in March of last season, when he was still with the Rockets. Houston pulled off a 102-98 win that night, but Green wasn’t a major factor - finishing with 6 points and 4 assists across 32 minutes.
That said, he’s had flashes of brilliance against the Heat before. Back in December 2022, he dropped 22 points and dished out 5 assists in one of his better performances versus Miami.
The Suns could certainly use that version of Green on Sunday. With their backcourt rotation still finding its footing and the team trying to build consistency, his scoring punch and athleticism would be a welcome addition - assuming the hamstring holds up.
Tip-off between the Suns and Heat is set for 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m.
PT) at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Fans can catch the action locally on Arizona’s Family 3TV and FanDuel Sports Network Sun, or stream it live through NBA League Pass and the FUBO TV app.
For now, all eyes are on Green’s status. If he’s cleared, it’ll be a chance to finally build some momentum. If not, the wait continues - and so does the Suns’ juggling act with their backcourt depth.