Suns news: Deandre Ayton expected to play again this season despite ankle injury

Phoenix Suns star center Deandre Ayton is doubtful to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday because of an ankle injury.

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton is doubtful to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday because of an ankle injury.

While Ayton is expected to miss games, Suns head coach Monty Williams believes the former No. 1 overall pick will play again this season:

Monty Williams said Deandre Ayton (ankle) participated in some non-contact stuff at today’s practice and “we’ll have to see how he responds.” Doesn’t have a timetable on Ayton’s return, but said he “for sure” expects Ayton back this season #Suns

— Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) March 5, 2020

Ayton has appeared in 30 games for the Suns this season. He’s averaging 19.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 54.8 percent from the field and 76.9 percent from the free-throw line.

Ayton has 20 double-doubles on the season. The Suns are 12-18 with him in the lineup and 24-38 overall on the season. Phoenix is sitting in the 13th spot in the Western Conference standings.

There was a point in the season where the Suns were in the thick of the playoff race out West. However, as the season has gone along, the Suns have come back down to earth and are once again on their way to missing the postseason.

The Suns have been a walking disaster for years and they haven’t made the playoffs since 2010. With that said, it’s up to Kelly Oubre Jr., Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton to turn the Suns around. It’s not going to be easy, though, since the Western Conference is tough as nails.

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