Phoenix Suns forward Dario Saric (20) drives against Golden State Warriors forward Dragan Bender (10) during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday February 29, 2020 in Phoenix. (Photo AP / Matt York)
Forward Dario Saric (left ankle) will be available on the bench for the Phoenix Suns in their opening of the Orlando season against the Washington Wizards, head coach Monty Williams told reporters before Friday’s game.
Phoenix will continue with a wing-oriented starting lineup from its third game of bubble performances against the Toronto Raptors: Ricky Rubio and Devin Booker on guard, Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges in the bow, and Deandre Ayton in the center.
Saric have averaged 10.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game this season, starting 50 of the 58 games played.
He sprained his left ankle on the team’s last Sunday against the Boston Celtics.
Johnson, the choice of Suns’ first round 2019 (11th in total), will begin his second career. He averages 8.1 points and 2.9 cards while shooting 40% from a distance of three points.
Williams liked the big man’s ball movement skills, but Saric’s absences also revealed the Suns’ best formation – Friday’s drive but with Kelly Oubre Jr. in place of Johnson.
Williams on Friday had no updates on Oubre Jr., who is about to undergo knee surgery and has already been banned for Friday’s game.
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