Why Mark Williams isn't playing today for Suns with injury news

The task is already a tall one for the Phoenix Suns.

They open the NBA playoffs on Sunday at Oklahoma City against the top-seed and defending champion Thunder.

It's a bit harder now, too. 

Mark Williams has been ruled out. Phoenix will be without its center.

This season, Williams averaged 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game while shooting 64.4% from the field on a friendly shot diet. He also blocked 0.9 shots per game.

That production will be missing in OKC for Game 1.

MORE: What Steve Kerr leaving would mean to Steph Curry, Warriors

Why isn't Mark Williams playing today?

Williams is out on Sunday for the Suns against the Thunder due to injury.

He has what the Suns have called "left foot soreness," but apparently it's enough to keep him out.

Williams had been listed as questionable until Suns coach Jordan Ott told reporters early Sunday afternoon that the big fella wouldn't be able to go.

Suns center Mark Williams (foot) is out for Game 1 in OKC, coach Jordan Ott said.

MORE: Luke Kennard, LeBron James were connected long before Lakers

Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach will have to step up inside with Williams out.

More basketball news:

• What Doc Rivers firing means for Giannis trade
• Comparing Cooper Flagg's rookie season to LeBron James
• Kawhi Leonard speaks about his future with the Clippers
• Bronny James joins Warriors' 55th pick in NBA notoriety
• Bruce Brown played 82 games but didn't qualify for NBA's 65-game rule