Deandre Ayton Won't Play for Suns vs. Trail Blazers Because of Knee Injury

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton won't play against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday because of left knee soreness, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. 

Ayton has been a double-double machine since the Suns selected him with the first pick in the 2018 NBA draft, recording 62 of them in 109 games across his first two NBA seasons. He's put up 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 69 games during the 2020-21 campaign.

The 22-year-old Bahamas native has dealt with a series of ankle injuries, including several last season that limited him to 38 appearances.

Dario Saric could see an uptick in playing time if Ayton is sidelined longer. Frank Kaminsky and Jalen Smith are also candidates for more opportunities within the frontcourt rotation.

The Suns are near the top of the ranks in the loaded Western Conference, and Ayton is critical to reaching the ultimate goal in the postseason. With the playoffs around the corner, Phoenix needs to make sure he is as healthy as possible.