In a crucial matchup, the Phoenix Suns will be without center Mark Williams as they face the Indiana Pacers. This decision is part of injury management due to his ongoing recovery from a right knee issue.
Mark Williams Misses Pacers Game
The Suns have ruled out Williams for the game scheduled for Thursday evening at Mortgage Matchup Center. This marks his second missed game during back-to-back matchups this season, having also sat out the second game on October 25. Williams has played in 10 of the team’s games this season.
Recent Performance
- In the previous game, Williams contributed significantly against the Dallas Mavericks with:
- 10 points
- 4 rebounds
- 2 steals
- 2 blocks
Throughout this season, he has averaged 11.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game over 25.2 minutes. Notably, he has started the last eight games for the Suns, helping secure six victories.
Injury Management Strategy
Williams, who joined the Suns via a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, has struggled with injuries in prior seasons, failing to exceed 44 games in any year. As a result, the Suns have adopted a cautious approach to his playing time.
In Williams’s absence, Oso Ighodaro and Nick Richards are expected to step in. Ighodaro began the season as the starting center, while rookie Khaman Maluach, though limited in playing time, remains an available option.
Pacers Injury Report
The Indiana Pacers are dealing with their own set of injuries ahead of the game. They currently hold a dismal 1-10 record and are 0-6 on the road after an appearance in the NBA Finals last season. The following players are confirmed out:
- Johnny Furphy – Sprained ankle
- Tyrese Haliburton – Torn Achilles
- Quenton Jackson – Strained hamstring
- Kam Jones – Lower back stress reaction
- Cody Martin – Illness
- Bennedict Mathurin – Sprained big toe
- Obi Toppin – Fractured foot
Point guard T.J. McConnell, who missed the first ten games, has returned to the lineup. The Pacers will look to improve their standing as they face the Suns.
The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m. MST in downtown Phoenix, and fans can catch the action on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app.
