Deandre Ayton Expected to Play vs. Timberwolves
The Phoenix Suns finally have some good news coming their way.
After missing the last two games due to a left ankle sprain suffered in Sunday’s home loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Deandre Ayton is expected to return to the Suns lineup tonight as they are set to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Over this past month the Suns have been riddled with injuries losing both Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Cameron Payne. It's been evident that these injuries have affected the Suns in a huge way as the team has dropped to 21-22 on the season losing their past six-of-seven matchups.
While inserting Ayton back into the lineup does not solve all of Phoenix’s problems, it certainly is a step in the right direction for a team that needs to get back on track quickly. The Suns could desperately use Ayton’s 17.5 points and 9.8 rebounds that he has been averaging this season in hopes of stacking some much-needed wins.
In replacement of Ayton, Phoenix was forced to start Bismack Biyombo. Despite being a serviceable backup center and a solid rim-protector, Biyombo is not nearly the offensive threat that Ayton brings to the table.
In Ayton’s two game absence, Biyombo failed to put up over ten points.
Ayton’s presence will be crucial against the Timberwolves. The most lethal part of Minnesota’s lineup rests within their frontcourt which consists of both Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert.
With Paul and Booker out, it's now up to Ayton to prove why he was selected with the number one overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Throughout his entire career Ayton has had security blankets in the backcourt but now it's his turn to take over as the number one option.
It may only be game 44 of a long NBA season, but Ayton’s reputation could be at stake. The big question is how will he respond?
