The Phoenix Suns will be in Texas Thursday night to take on the Dallas Mavericks. It's a marquee matchup between two of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. The Suns are on a four-game win streak, while the Mavs have won 10 of their past 11 contests. Phoenix, which owns a scintillating 34-9 record, are coming off an easy 121-107 win over the San Antonio Sours last Monday to finish a four-game road trip with a spotless 4-0 slate. And they crushed San Antonio even without the help of Deandre Ayton, who missed the outing due to a right sprain ankle he suffered in the game before against the Detroit Pistons.
So, is Ayton ready to make a return to action tonight against Luka Doncic and the red-hot Mavs?
Is Deandre Ayton playing vs Mavs
Unfortunately for the Suns, they will not have the services of Ayton against the Mavs. It seems that he's not even close to his top form, considering that he was not even able to practice with the team Wednesday. His absence is a significant blow to Phoenix. Ayton played huge roles in the Suns' two wins this season versus Dallas. In their 105-98 road win against the Mavs on Nov. 17, Ayton scored 19 points to go with 13 rebounds. Two days later, he posted just eight points but had 17 rebounds in a 112-104 win in Dallas again.
Kristaps Porzingis must be salivating over the prospect of taking on the Suns, who will not have Ayton to guard the shaded area. However, he can't be too confident. The Suns still have decent rim protectors in the pair of Javale McGee and Bismack Biyombo. Plus, Phoenix still have Jalen Smith.
The soonest Ayton can return will be on Friday at home versus the visiting Indiana Pacers.
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