Why Dillon Brooks isn't playing vs. Grizzlies and what it means for Suns

The Phoenix Suns will look to snap their three-game losing streak against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday at 10:00 p.m. ET, though they'll be without one of their best defenders in the contest. 

Dillon Brooks won't suit up against his former team due to right groin soreness, according to the NBA's official injury report. The forward will miss his second straight game, but the Suns could get a boost if Jalen Green — listed as questionable due to a strained right hamstring — is cleared to make his season debut. 

As for the Grizzlies, Zach Edey, Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Brandon Clarke will all remain out, while Vince Williams and Santi Aldama are listed as questionable. 

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What Dillon Brooks’ absence means for Phoenix 

With Green sidelined to open the season, Brooks had been an impact player on both ends of the floor in the club's first three regular-season games. Over that span, he averaged 19.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.3 assists per game. However, he struggled with efficiency, shooting 37.3 percent from the field and 29.0 percent from three-point range. 

Royce O’Neale replaced Brooks in the starting lineup during Monday's overtime loss to the Utah Jazz and turned in a well-rounded performance, recording 17 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and five steals across 46 minutes.

O’Neale is likely to draw the start again with Brooks sidelined, though if Green returns, the Suns could opt to move Grayson Allen to small forward. Allen has started all four games for Green, averaging 17.5 points, 5.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals across 34.8 minutes per contest. 

The Suns will look to improve to 2-3 on Wednesday, while Brooks’ next opportunity to return will come in Friday's rematch against the Jazz.

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