Though he missed yesterday's practice session with what the team is calling flu-like symptoms, Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton has been cleared to start in Monday night's game against the L.A. Clippers, according to a report from The Athletic's Gina Mizell.

Ayton, who racked up 16 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and one block in Friday's 17-point loss to the Miami Heat, was a full participant in Monday morning's practice session. The Suns did not mention anything about a minutes restriction.

Phoenix selected Ayton with the first overall pick in this 2018 NBA Draft. As expected, he's quickly become an integral member of their front-court rotation. In his 26 appearances with the Suns this season, the former Arizona Wildcat has posted averages of 15.8 points (on 59.5 percent shooting from the the field), 10.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 0.8 blocks in 31.0 minutes per outing.

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Nonetheless, despite how well Ayton has played on the offensive end of the floor, there are some who question Ayton's energy on the floor. Suns head coach Igor Kokoskov discussed the challenges of being a feature player at the NBA level and acknowledged that Ayton has had some growing pains.

“It's been challenging, obviously,” Suns coach Igor Kokoskov told ESPN. “We put a lot of pressure on him. Expectations are high. It's not easy to carry and be a big part of any franchise in the NBA, and he's realizing how difficult it is to be that guy.”

Monday night's Suns-Clippers game is scheduled to tip inside Talking Stick Resort Arena at 9:00 p.m. EST.

Phoenix (4-22 and 5th in the Southwest Division standings) has lost eight games in a row and is off to the worst start in franchise history.