Suns without Deandre Ayton against Thunder

The Phoenix Suns will be without C Deandre Ayton when they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday at 12:30 PM MST, per Suns’ insider Duane Rankin.

#Suns injury report at #Thunder

OUT: Deandre Ayton (right hip contusion) and Kevin Durant (ankle). Neither made the trip to OKC as team is returning to Phoenix after Sunday's game.

Play at #Lakers on Wednesday.

PROBABLE: Landry Shamet (foot).

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 18, 2023

This will be Ayton’s first game on the bench since a string of three games from January 21st-January 24th; ironically, the Suns went 3-0 during this stretch without their big man.

However, Ayton has really picked it up as of late. Over the past 10 days, the 24-year-old is averaging over 18 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. 

As Phoenix is still without their recently acquired Kevin Durant, the Suns will be in need of a big game from Devin Booker. With how close the Western Conference currently is, there is no room for off nights.

Although the Suns currently hold the 4th seed, all it would take is a three-game skid and they could be looking at a play-in spot.

Regarding their next matchup against the Thunder, Phoenix enters as +1.5 underdogs per DraftKings Sportsbook.