Suns Give Update on Grayson Allen
The Suns could expect him back tomorrow.
PHOENIX -- It sure sounds like the Phoenix Suns are expecting Grayson Allen back against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
"Feeling better, we'll list him as probable for tomorrow," Suns coach Frank Vogel said of Allen, who missed last night's victory vs Cleveland with left hip soreness.
Prior to yesterday's win, Vogel said the hip injury is something Allen has managed throughout his entire career and his absence was simply a precaution with a "day-to-day" label on Allen.
The Suns started Royce O'Neale in Allen's place, who scored 17 points in the win, Phoenix's sixth in their last eight outings as the Suns climb the standings. Entering tonight, Phoenix has possession of the West's No. 6 seed.
O'Neale - along with Bol Bol and Eric Gordon - were highlighted by Vogel following the win over Cleveland:
“He was outstanding. I think he, Bol (Bol) and Eric (Gordon) all stepped up with Grayson’s (Allen) absence, but Royce (O’Neale) knocking down five threes, playing great defense, bringing energy to our offense with his movement, was just really good. Obviously, Bol and Eric contributed as well; Eric only got three shots, but he was a plus-26 for the game. His gravity means something for us, he gives us a defensive disposition with his on-ball defense where he is a tough defender with great hands and he is one of our best contest guys. Bol’s length and uniqueness shows up in a game like this where they got a bigger team. It is a good matchup for him out there and he made a number of solid defensive plays, loose ball plays, knock down a few threes, made some offensive plays on the break. I think all three of those guys really stepped up in Grayson’s absence.” - Vogel
Allen is the NBA's leading three-point shooter at 46.9% with 13.4 points averaged per night to go along with 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists to pair.
Damion Lee was the only other Suns player listed on last night's injury report, as he's been out the entire season due to meniscus surgery.
Phoenix is set to release their preliminary injury report vs Minnesota later tonight. Wolves-Suns will tip at 7:00 PM local time on Friday.
