Cam Johnson Won't Play vs. Pacers; Other Suns Injury Updates

The Phoenix Suns enjoyed the talents of Cam Johnson in Thursday night's win over the Brooklyn Nets as the North Carolina product returned from a near 40 game absence due to a meniscus tear.

Johnson's presence was much needed, as his shooting and spacing paid dividends for a Suns team who undoubtedly fed off his energy upon checking in.

However, Johnson will be unavailable for Saturday night's meeting with the Indiana Pacers according to head coach Monty Williams, who made it appear as if the Suns were being precautious in their approach with Johnson.

"We have to be smart with him," Williams said (h/t Duane Rankin). "I played him a couple more minutes than I wanted to, but in that moment, we all were like, we're trying to get this win."

"We have to be smart with him. I played him a couple more minutes than I wanted to, but in that moment, we all were like, we're trying to get this win."

Monty Williams on Cam Johnson, who played 22 minutes in his return Thursday after missing 37 games with a knee injury. #Suns pic.twitter.com/14KtbBil8M
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 20, 2023

The Suns do have a back-to-back with the second night featuring the Memphis Grizzlies, so perhaps Phoenix hopes to roll Johnson out in some portion then.

Landry Shamet, Devin Booker and Cam Payne are out as well.

Chris Paul was labeled as questionable with a hip injury that's kept him out for the previous six games. Josh Okogie joins him with a fractured nose suffered on Monday.

The Suns were able to stop a three-game losing streak with Thursday's win. Tonight, they welcome a Pacers team that is on the second night of a back-to-back and have lost their previous six games.