Jalen Green
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Jalen Green of the Phoenix Suns has only played in four games this season so far.
It has been a rough first season with the Phoenix Suns for Jalen Green, who just can’t seem to shake off a right hamstring injury. Green appeared to have re-aggravated his hamstring early in Friday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Green initially injured his hamstring before training camp. He re-injured it during the Suns’ preseason preparations in Macau, causing him to miss the first eight games of the season.
The former No. 2 pick made his Suns debut on November 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers. He had 29 points to help Phoenix earn the 115-102 win. However, he re-aggravated it two days later, which has caused him to miss the next 33 games.
After a rigorous rehab, Green was cleared to return on January 20 against the Philadelphia 76ers. He put up 12 points under a minutes restriction, which was a cautious approach by the Suns.
In his second game back, he left the game after just four minutes and didn’t return. He seemingly re-injured the same hamstring while driving to the basket.
The Suns then ruled him out for Sunday’s showdown versus the Miami Heat at the Mortgage Matchup Center.
Jordan Ott Drops Latest on Green’s Injury
Speaking to reporters before the game against the Heat, coach Jordan Ott provided the latest update on Jalen Green.
“MRI came back, nothing new. That’s great news for us. He’s in a good place. There’s going to be some of this where he feels something that doesn’t feel quite right. Then once the imaging comes back, there’s nothing new. I think that just eases all of our minds. He’s in a good place. Hopefully, we’ll see him back,” Ott said, via Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.
Ott added that Green was working out with the coaches before the game on Sunday. He was warming up during shootaround, which should be taken as a positive.
However, Ott listed his young guard as day-to-day. They are going to be more cautious as Green continues to get used to the speed of the game. He came off the bench in his first two games since returning, so he’ll likely be on the same role until he has rhythm back.
Suns Also Dealing with Devin Booker’s Injury
Jalen Green wasnt’ the only player who went down in the Phoenix Suns’ game against the Atlanta Hawks. Devin Booker was in pain toward the end of the third quarter after he sprained his right ankle.
According to ESPN, Booker’s injury was deemed minor, though he’ll miss at least a week of action. He was not in a walking boot early Sunday, when he arrived at the Mullett Arena to support the Suns’ G League team for their game against the Austin Spurs.
Phoenix can’t afford to lose momentum, with the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers playing well in their last 10 games. Both teams are 7-3 in their past 10 and are just within striking distance of a Top 6 spot.
The Suns will continue their five-game homestand on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. After that contest, they will welcome the Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers.