Though Phoenix Suns swingman Trevor Ariza was held out of Tuesday night's game against the San Antonio Spurs, it sounds like he'll be available for Thursday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.
Newsy tidbits from Igor post-#Suns shooutaround:
* Trevor Ariza is expected to start tonight vs. Dallas after missing Tuesday’s game at San Antonio (reasoning Igor gave was to rest on second night of back-to-back)
* Newly signed big man Eric Moreland will be available.— Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) December 13, 2018
Ariza being held out against the Spurs caused quite a ripple in the NBA community, with many believing that the veteran wasn't playing because he was a valued part of an impending trade deal. However, Suns head coach Igor Kokoškov noted that Phoenix decided to hold Ariza out for precautionary measures, as it was a back-to-back set.
“It's tough [with] a vet who's been around a long time,” Kokoškov said after deciding to hold Ariza out. “If he doesn't start the game, he's a guy who needs rhythm.”
Nonetheless, some are speculating that the real reason lies in trade rumors.
According to a report from John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM in Phoenix, there are as many as eight teams interested in Ariza's services, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets. Whether or not the Suns will deal the former UCLA Bruin remains to be seen.
In 25 appearances with the Suns this season (all starts), Ariza has racked up averages of 9.8 points on 37.3 percent shooting from the field (35.3 percent from beyond the arc), 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.4 steals in 33.9 minutes per game.
Thursday night's Suns-Mavs matchup is scheduled to tip inside Talking Stick Resort Arena at 10:30 p.m. EST with TNT having live broadcast coverage.
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