Phoenix Suns shooting guard Grayson Allen injured his right ankle in Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves Saturday, leaving his status in doubt for tonight’s Game 2.
Thankfully for Phoenix, the veteran Allen has been declared good to go, though it remains to be seen how effective he’ll be and how long he’ll be able to play.
“Grayson Allen will start and he won’t be on a minutes restriction. [Suns head coach Frank] Vogel said the ankle is swollen and he’ll be playing through the pain, but he’s tough and wasn’t going to miss this game,” tweeted Suns beat writer Gerard Bourguet.
Allen, who averaged a career-high 13.5 points per game during the regular season, scored only four points in 25 minutes Saturday before rolling his ankle on a drive to the basket during the third quarter.
The former Duke star shot 0-for-3, with all of his attempts coming from beyond the arc. Allen shot a personal-best 46.1% on three-pointers this season.
Last week, Phoenix signed Allen, who has held down a starting role in the backcourt all year long, to a four-year, $70 million contract extension. Given the Suns’ relative lack of depth, Phoenix must hope Allen is able to be relatively useful playing at less than 100%.
Game 2 between the Suns and Timberwolves will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT. Minnesota won Game 1 at home over the weekend.