The Phoenix Suns will head into Wednesday night’s season-opener at Moda Center without their starting center, while a key new shooter remains up in the air.
Mark Williams is out for Phoenix because of a shoulder injury that has been known since training camp. He hurt it during workouts, and the team expects him back after the new year.
That leaves the Suns likely leaning on Oso Ighodaro to start, with Khaman Maluach moving into the backup role at center. Ighodaro and Maluach had been battling for the job through camp and preseason, and Ighodaro was ahead the whole way. Phoenix is also confident in Ighodaro after he signed a contract extension with the club this week.
“His combination of physical tools and basketball IQ allows our team to be more versatile on both ends of the floor. Oso has made significant strides since we drafted him, and we know his commitment will see him continue to develop. We’re excited to keep him in his hometown community," Suns general manager Brian Gregory said in a statement.
Luke Kennard is the other big name to watch for Phoenix. The guard is questionable after hurting his knee last week in preseason action against Chicago, and he did not play in Friday’s finale. He’s been working back, though, and on Tuesday coach Ott sounded encouraged after practice.
“He did more today, for sure, in practice," Ott said of Kennard yesterday. "This was kind of a test day to see exactly where he's at.
Tomorrow will be a lower day. Try to be right for Wednesday.”
Kennard could matter quickly for a Suns team that traded away both Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale over the summer for Miles Bridges, leaving some clear need for shooting. Last season, Kennard ranked among the NBA’s best three-point shooters, and with Jalen Green, Devin Booker and Collin Gillespie in the backcourt, he should get room to fire if he’s active.
Portland’s report has a few question marks of its own. Deni Avdija is questionable with right ankle soreness, and Micah Potter is questionable because of illness. Branden Carlson is out with a concussion, Shaedon Sharpe is out after meniscus surgery, and Chris Youngblood is sidelined by left ankle soreness.
The opening tip is set for just past 7:00 pm local time in Portland.
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