Suns' Mark Williams praises Jalen Green ahead of potential return from injury

The Phoenix Suns will look to improve to 4-5 against the Los Angeles Clippers at 9:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, and they're expected to bring back one of their top offensive options. 

After missing the preseason and the Suns’ first eight regular-season games, Jalen Green is listed as probable to play in Thursday's contest, according to the NBA's official injury report. 

Green has been dealing with a strained right hamstring, though Phoenix is now expected to get one of its best offensive weapons back against the Clippers. While the 23-year-old shooting guard's return will likely take some of the workload off Devin Booker, it may also help the team get back on track after a middling start. 

MORE: NBA analyst names $46.8 million forward as 'realistic' Suns trade target

Mark Williams praises Jalen Green

Ahead of Green's potential season debut, Suns center Mark Williams praised the duo of Green and Booker, discussing how the pairing will make the lives of the team's frontcourt easier, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. 

“I think everybody knows both of those guys can score the ball at a really high level,” Williams said. “Defenses have to pay attention to both of them, so I think that'll make our lives as bigs a little bit easier. That's just one more person you’ve got to worry about.” 

Green was acquired by the Suns in the historic seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets this summer. The fifth-year pro is coming off a solid regular season with the Rockets in 2024-25, during which he averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. He also shot a career-high 35.4 percent from beyond the arc. 

According to Rankin, Green went through the team's shootaround Thursday morning, which bodes well for his chances of making his Suns debut. Green will likely take on some playmaking duties from Booker, though it wouldn't be surprising if the Suns monitored his minutes during his return. 

While he's currently considered likely to play, it'll still be worth monitoring Green's status ahead of tipoff. 

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