Jalen Green is close to making his highly anticipated debut with the Phoenix Suns, as the team prepares to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, November 6, at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Currently listed as probable due to a right hamstring strain, Green has yet to play a game this season after previously maintaining a streak of appearances for the Houston Rockets in his first two NBA seasons.
In a promising development, Green participated in a 5-on-5 practice with teammates Isaiah Livers, Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, Koby Brea, and CJ Huntley following the morning shootaround prior to the Suns’ game against the Golden State Warriors on November 4. Suns coach Jordan Ott expressed optimism about Green’s progress, noting that this was the most intensive practice he had completed to date. The coaching staff aims to monitor Green’s response to the workouts to gauge his readiness to compete.
Unfortunately for the Suns, they fell to the Warriors 118-107 in that matchup. Green’s preceding injury history includes a strain incurred during training camp before the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers and a subsequent aggravation during the team’s visit to China for preseason games against the Brooklyn Nets.
In related injury news, Dillon Brooks remains sidelined due to a core muscle strain, missing his last five games after an impressive start with the Suns, where he averaged 19.3 points in his first three appearances. Ott indicated that Brooks also participated in a long workout recently, and though his return timeline remains uncertain, he appears to be making positive strides.
Green was acquired by the Suns in a significant trade involving Kevin Durant, along with Brooks and the 10th overall pick in the 2025 draft, Khaman Maluach. The explosive young guard averaged 20.1 points during his time with the Rockets, leading his team in scoring last season.
As the Suns navigate injuries, Grayson Allen has stepped up as a starter, contributing a career-best average of 16.4 points in his third season with the team. The Clippers, on the other hand, will be without stars James Harden (personal reasons) and Kawhi Leonard (right ankle sprain) for the upcoming game. This presents an opportunity for the Suns as they seek to rebound after a tough loss last month, where they were defeated by the Clippers, 129-102.
Fans are eager for Green’s return, which could inject new energy into the Suns’ season and bolster their chances in the highly competitive Western Conference. The focus now turns to how well Green responds in practice and ultimately whether he will take to the court against the Clippers.