Since Dec. 28 against the Golden State Warriors, Royce O’Neale has not played for the Phoenix Suns in the past five games but could soon return with a new update regarding his health.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!After being inactive with a left ankle sprain, the 6-foot-4 forward is now listed as doubtful when the Suns take on his former team, the Utah Jazz, on Saturday afternoon.
One of the more reliable options off the bench, O’Neale has played 31 games (nine starts) this season and is averaging a career-high 10.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and a steal per game. He is shooting 44.7% from the field and 44.1% from 3 this year.
O’Neale is the only player currently sidelined with an injury for the Suns who have seen a fair share of other players go down this season. Injuries to Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant have been a main factor as to why Phoenix is currently 17-19 after an 8-1 start.
As for the Jazz (9-27), they have a lengthy injury report with multiple big names that are out. Collin Sexton (left fourth finger DIP avulsion fracture) and Oscar Tshiebwe (left fourth finger extensor tendon tear) are both available while Johnny Juzang (right hand soreness) and Brice Sensabaugh (illness) are both questionable. Jordan Clarkson (left plantar fasciitis), John Collins (left hip/injury management), Keyonte George (left heel inflammation) and Taylor Hendricks (right fibula fracture) are all out.
The Suns are 2-0 this season against the Jazz after they won 120-112 in the NBA Cup on Nov. 12 and 134-126 on Dec. 13.
In an early Western Conference clash, the Suns and Jazz go head-to-head at 3 p.m. MST inside Footprint Center.
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, ASU Athletics and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
