The Phoenix Suns will be without guard Grayson Allen for their home game against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday due to soreness in his right knee. Allen had recently returned to form, starting all six games since returning from a quad contusion he sustained on November 29, aside from his absence during the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 1 due to illness. He was initially listed as questionable before being ruled out just before the game.
In his last game, Allen played 35 minutes and recorded 13 points, seven assists, and three steals, marking his highest scoring game since his return with a shooting percentage of 36.4%, matching his best performance in that span.
Also missing from the Suns lineup is two-way forward Isaiah Livers, who has been sidelined by a right hip strain since November 26. Reserve guard Jordan Goodwin, who is recovering from a jaw sprain, will be available to play but will don a protective mask. Goodwin has been a consistent presence for Phoenix since October 31, scoring five points with three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in his last outing against the Lakers.
The Warriors will also have several key absences as they face the Suns. Al Horford continues to sit out due to sciatic nerve irritation, and he last played on December 4, recording a career-low 5.6 points per game in limited minutes. Additionally, Seth Curry has been ruled out for the game due to management of a left glute injury, which was announced just before the tip-off. The Warriors will also be without two-way guard Pat Spencer, who has been a notable contributor with double-digit scoring in five of his last six games.
Both teams will need to adjust their strategies as they navigate these injuries, adding an intriguing dynamic to this matchup. Fans can remain hopeful that the absence of key players will open opportunities for others to step up, making this a potentially competitive game.