The Phoenix Suns still do not know if center Mark Williams will be available for Wednesday’s Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Williams, who sat out 15 games in March with a third metatarsal stress reaction in his left foot, missed last Friday’s play-in win over Golden State and Sunday’s series opener because of what the club labeled left-foot soreness. He was seen in a walking boot at the team facility on Tuesday.
Head coach Jordan Ott said the organization is evaluating Williams “day by day.” The latest injury report lists the 22-year-old as questionable and formally identifies the issue as a recurrence of the third metatarsal stress reaction that sidelined him last month.
Allen and Goodwin also questionable
Wing Grayson Allen has not played since April 10 due to a left hamstring strain, though he was technically available for the Suns’ last two contests. After completing a full practice on Tuesday, Allen was deemed to be “making progress,” according to Ott, but he remains questionable for Game 2. Even if cleared, the club has not committed to using him immediately.
Guard Jordan Goodwin, who missed seven consecutive games in late February and early March with a left calf strain, experienced renewed soreness in the same calf on Sunday and did not play after halftime. Ott said the current discomfort “isn’t as bad as it was in February,” yet the 25-year-old is also listed as questionable for Wednesday.
Ott faces first postseason test
After a solid debut regular season on the bench, Ott now confronts the defending champions and the Western Conference’s top seed in his first playoff series. While outside expectations are low, team officials stress the importance of remaining competitive throughout the matchup.
Brooks targets Gilgeous-Alexander on defense
Forward Dillon Brooks, praised recently by Warriors veteran Draymond Green for his impact in Phoenix, said he intends to force Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to exert more energy on the defensive end in Game 2. “You see a guy like that going hard on the offensive end all game and trying to get a rest on defense,” Brooks explained Tuesday. “I’ll find a way to make him use his legs, use his hands, use his mind on that defensive end.”
Game 2 tips off Wednesday night in Oklahoma City, with Williams, Allen and Goodwin all still awaiting final medical clearance.
Source: HoopsRumors
