The Phoenix Suns have fallen to 1-4 after winning their regular-season opener against the Sacramento Kings, and the road to 2-4 won't be easy.
The Suns will be without Dillon Brooks in Friday's NBA Cup West Group A matchup against the Utah Jazz due to a core muscle strain, according to the NBA's official injury report. Brooks was previously listed on the injury report with right groin soreness, though the Suns have now provided an update on the injury that'll keep him out for a third consecutive game.
The veteran forward will join Jalen Green, who is dealing with a strained right hamstring, on the sidelines. On a positive note, both players are considered day-to-day at this point, according to Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com.
MORE: Why Jalen Green isn't playing vs. Jazz and what it means for Suns
What Dillon Brooks’ absence means for Suns
With Brooks remaining on the shelf, Royce O’Neale will likely step into the starting five once again. Over his last two starts, the 32-year-old forward has averaged 17.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.5 steals while shooting 47.8 percent from three-point range in 40.5 minutes per game.
The Suns’ projected starting lineup features Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, O’Neale, Ryan Dunn and Mark Williams. They'll face a Jazz squad that's missing Isaiah Collier and Georges Niang.
With Green and Brooks sidelined, Nigel Hayes-Davis, Collin Gillespie and two-way player Isaiah Livers are also candidates for increased minutes.
As for the pair of injured players, their next opportunity to suit up will come in Sunday's matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
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