Why isn't Jalen Green playing vs. Clippers and when could he return for Suns

The Phoenix Suns will aim to improve to 2-0 against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, but they'll be without shooting guard Jalen Green for the contest. 

Green didn't suit up in the preseason due to a low-grade hamstring strain, which he aggravated during the team's preseason trip to China, where they played two games against the Brooklyn Nets. He was re-evaluated Thursday, with the Suns ruling him out for their next two matchups on Friday and Saturday, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. 

Green had initially targeted a return by the Suns’ regular-season opener before aggravating the injury. Now, the team appears to be taking a cautious approach, allowing the 23-year-old additional time to return to full strength ahead of a long season. 

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Jalen Green's potential return timeline 

According to Rankin, Green traveled with the Suns for their three-game road trip, offering some hope he could return by Monday's road game against the Utah Jazz. Meanwhile, Grayson Allen is expected to get the starting nod alongside Devin Booker in the backcourt Friday against the Clippers and Saturday against the Denver Nuggets.  

With Green sidelined, third-year guard Collin Gillespie will likely continue to see an uptick in playing time off the bench. He logged 22 minutes in Wednesday's season-opening win over the Sacramento Kings, posting seven points, four assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. 

The Suns acquired Green in the historic seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets this summer, and he's likely to serve as the team's second option on the offensive end behind Booker.

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