In a surprising turn of events, Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen has been ruled out of the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to illness. This announcement comes just before tip-off, caught many off guard, as Allen had not been listed on the injury report earlier.
Suns Facing Challenges Without Grayson Allen
Grayson Allen, who has been recovering from a quad contusion, was expected to contribute significantly to his team’s performance. His absence poses a challenge for the Suns, as they will now lack a pivotal part of their rotation in a crucial matchup.
- Game Time: 8:00 PM MST
- Replacement Player: Collin Gillespie is likely to start in Allen’s position.
Despite returning from injury during Saturday’s loss against the Denver Nuggets, where he scored 10 points, Allen’s health remains a concern. The injury forced him to miss seven games earlier this season.
Previous Performance and Impact
At the start of the 2025-26 season, Allen had showcased impressive skills, boasting a three-point shooting percentage of 46.2%. His ability to drive to the rim further augmented his value to the Suns. However, Allen’s recent illness adds to his struggles; he had faced similar issues against the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this season, but managed to play through it.
Suns coach Jordan Ott noted, “He had swelling. We don’t know exactly how long it was going to take.” The situation remains fluid as the team works to integrate Allen back into play as soon as possible.
Lakers Prepare for a Tough Matchup
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for an intense encounter with the Suns. Lakers coach JJ Redick acknowledged the challenge presented by Phoenix, stating, “Those guys are playing great basketball.”
- Lakers Record: 15-4
- Suns Record: 12-9
The Suns are coming off two losses against top-tier teams, Oklahoma City and Denver. Both teams are prepared to battle, with high stakes as the season progresses. This matchup not only tests team depths but also sets the stage for potential playoff implications.
