The Phoenix Suns will host the Miami Heat on Saturday night at the Footprint Arena. Suns big man Deandre Ayton has been on the shelf over Phoenix's past six games after he entered the league's health and safety protocols. The 23-year old had already reportedly cleared protocols a couple of days ago, but ultimately did not return in their previous outing against the LA Clippers. With that said, it's should be worth asking: is Deandre Ayton playing vs. the Heat?
Is Deandre Ayton playing vs Heat?
To answer the question: Yes, the Suns will get Ayton back for their showdown against Miami. Phoenix officially delisted Ayton, along with JaVale McGee and Jae Crowder, both of whom were also in the health and safety protocols, from its injury report on Saturday. Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports relayed the information on Twitter.
Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder and JaVale McGee are no longer listed on the Suns’ injury report. Landry Shamet and Abdel Nader remain in health and safety protocols, while Frank Kaminsky and Dario Saric are still out as well
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) January 7, 2022
Getting Ayton, McGee, and Crowder back should a huge boost for the Suns. For a time, it seemed like Phoenix was going to go unscathed with the COVID outbreak ravaging the rest of the league. But it proved to be just a matter of time, with three of their core frontcourt players getting sidelined at the same time.
Ayton was in the midst of a strong fourth campaign before going down with COVID. The former Arizona star is averaging 17.0 points and 11.1 rebounds while shooting 62.6 percent from the field.
Despite missing their two centers, the Suns were able to hold down the fort up front with Jalen Smith stepping up in their absence. Even Bismack Biyombo, whom Phoenix recently signed for the rest of the campaign, provided quality veteran minutes for them.
The Suns are on a 3-game winning streak and could go on another run with their key guys back in the mix. Their resiliency paired with the Golden State Warriors' recent slump has catapulted them back to the top seed in the Western Conference.
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