Suns’ Mark Williams to Sit vs. Pacers for Injury Management
PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams will be sidelined for Thursday’s game against the Indiana Pacers as a precautionary measure,the team announced. This marks the second back-to-back set this season where Williams will play only one game, continuing a conservative approach to managing the big man’s health.
Williams, acquired via a draft-night trade from the Charlotte Hornets, has a history of injury limiting him to a maximum of 44 games in any of his first three NBA seasons. The Suns implemented a “long and slow ramp-up” for him prior to the season opener to mitigate risk. He has started Phoenix’s last eight games, contributing to a 6-2 record during that span, and is averaging 11.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.4 combined steals and blocks in 25.2 minutes per game.
The decision to rest Williams comes as the Suns navigate a busy schedule and prioritize his long-term availability.Phoenix has capable replacements in big men Oso Ighodaro and nick Richards, with Ighodaro previously holding the starting center position. Rookie Khaman Maluach is also an option, though he has seen limited playing time recently.
Guard Jalen Green (strained hamstring) remains the only other Suns player ruled out, with a re-evaluation expected in 4-6 weeks.
The Pacers are dealing with a meaningful injury list of thier own, including Johnny furphy (sprained ankle), Tyrese Haliburton (torn Achilles), Quenton Jackson (strained hamstring), Kam Jones (lower back stress reaction), Cody Martin (illness), Bennedict Mathurin (sprained big toe), and Obi Toppin (fractured foot). Point guard T.J. McConnell is available after missing the first 10 games of the season.
