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Inside The Suns

Suns Starter Takes Big Step on Injury Report vs Hornets

The Phoenix Suns' starting center could be making his way back to the lineup.
Donnie Druin|
Feb 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) against the Portland Trail Blazers at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feb 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) against the Portland Trail Blazers at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns continue their road trip with hopes of getting their starting lineup back fully healthy, an evasive task that could be coming to fruition as soon as Thursday.

The Suns are listing starting center Mark Williams as questionable for tomorrow's clash against the Charlotte Hornets. Williams has been out for nearly a full month due to a foot injury.

Suns-Hornets is set for a 4:00 PM AZ start time in Charlotte. Amir Coffey (left ankle sprain) and Haywood Highsmith (right knee injury management) are out for Phoenix while PJ Hall is out for the Hornets with right ankle soreness.

More on Mark Williams' Potential Return

Phoenix Suns center Mark William
Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) against the Boston Celtics in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

After previously struggling with injuries early in his career, the Suns' medical staff has done a strong job with Williams and keeping him upright thus far. He's played a career high amount of games this regular season before the foot injury.

That's been an unfortunate theme for Phoenix's entire roster, however, not just Williams. The Suns most recently got Dillon Brooks back in the lineup, and Williams appears to be the final piece to the puzzle ahead of Phoenix's play-in tournament push.

"They played 5-on-5 today. That was helpful. See how they react. This was the first time they got to play 5-on-5, up and down. Good start," Suns coach Jordan Ott told reporters recently on Brooks/Williams. "Everything is headed in the right direction. See how it goes on that road trip."

The Suns have one more game in Chicago to round out their road trip after Thursday night's battle in Charlotte.

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Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns On SI. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with the company since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!

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