Jalen Green’s Status Uncertain as Suns Prepare for Lakers Clash
LOS ANGELES – The Phoenix Suns are navigating a crucial stretch as they prepare for the NBA play-in tournament. A key concern for the team is the health of guard Jalen Green, who is currently listed as questionable for the April 10th game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena due to right knee soreness.
Injury Report and Team Updates
The Suns (44-36) have already ruled out All-Star Devin Booker for the Lakers game. Booker indicated he anticipated potentially sitting out one of the final regular season games to rest and prepare for the playoffs. Alongside Green, Jordan Goodwin (left ankle sprain) and Haywood Highsmith are also sidelined. Both Green and Goodwin experienced setbacks during the April 7th victory and were unable to return after halftime warm-ups.
This season has been challenging for Green, who has missed 48 games due to a right hamstring injury. This is a significant change from his previous two seasons with the Houston Rockets, where he played in every game. Fortunately, Mark Williams (left foot injury management) and Grayson Allen (right quad contusion) are available after missing the previous game.
Lakers Facing Injury Troubles Too
The Lakers (50-29) are also dealing with injuries as they come off a back-to-back against the Golden State Warriors. Luka Dončić (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) are out for the remainder of the regular season. Jaxson Hayes (left foot soreness) and Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion) are also unavailable for the Warriors game.
Suns Secure Seventh Seed, Play-In Tournament Bound
Despite the injury concerns, the Suns have clinched the seventh seed in the Western Conference. They will host either the Los Angeles Clippers (41-39) or the Portland Trail Blazers (40-40) on April 14th in the play-in tournament. The winner of that game will secure the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs, while the loser will face the winner of the 9-10 matchup on April 17th for the eighth and final playoff spot.
The Warriors currently hold the tenth seed in the West and will be fighting to stay alive in the play-in tournament. The health of Jalen Green will be a crucial factor as the Suns look to make a deep playoff run. Stay tuned for further updates on his condition.
For more insights on the Suns, connect with Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or call 480-810-5518. Follow him on X at @DuaneRankin. Support local journalism by subscribing to azcentral.com.
