Suns Officially Green Light Starter For Return

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns will now officially see starting center Mark Williams back on the floor tonight against the Charlotte Hornets ahead of tonight's 4:00 PM AZ tip time.

The news was first reported by Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro ahead of game time. Williams has been out for nearly a month with his foot injury.

"I would expect Suns big man Mark Williams to return from a foot injury today in Charlotte," Gambo posted on X.

I would expect Suns big man Mark Williams to return from a foot injury today in Charlotte.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) April 2, 2026

Williams, specifically dealing with a left foot third metatarsal stress reaction, hasn't played since March 3 due to injury.

The Suns have since been forced to roll with Oso Ighodaro as their starter with rookie top ten pick Khaman Maluach as the secondary option. At times, this has forced Suns coach Jordan Ott to play small-ball which has put Phoenix in some disadvantageous situations.

Now, Ott should be able to adjust back to his preferred rotations.

Williams is averaging 11.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and one assist per night. His presence in the paint and overall rebounding ability on the glass has indeed been missing from Phoenix's nightly lineup, even in spite of Ighodaro being more athletic and Maluach protecting the rim better.

"Goes no contact, now contact. Build up to 5-on-5. 5-on-5 at halfcourt. 5-on-5 full court. That's kind of the steps and normal progressions with something that he has bone related," Ott said of Williams' injury last week. "How much stress can that bone handle? So it's got to be really diligent on those steps."

The Suns have indeed been diligent with injuries, though with the postseason nearing, Phoenix undoubtedly has to get healthy with just six games remaining.

Williams isn't quite a make-or-break player in Phoenix's lineup, though his presence will somewhat dictate how much of a shot the Suns have on making noise in the postseason. Through the last few weeks it's been clear Phoenix is a better team with him at the starting five spot, which isn't a knock on Ighodaro.

Williams has even earned praise from opposing coaches such as JJ Redick:

"When you have guards that can self-navigate, and can push things into him, because of his length he can alter passes. We begged our guys to stop throwing globs when we played them the first time. He can alter shots, all that stuff. It certainly changed the complexion of how you attack a team," Redick said.

After Dillon Brooks made his return last game, Williams' now official re-arrival to the starting lineup looks to get the Suns back to their fully healthy starting lineup.