It looks like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns game on Monday will be full of small ball.
Suns center Deandre Ayton did not start after missing his coronavirus test Sunday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowsi reported and the Suns broadcast confirmed.
His status for the rest of the game is unclear. Ayton was retested Monday morning and, moments before tipoff, the Suns broadcasters said “he has been cleared and is en route to join the team.”
The Suns broadcasters wondered aloud if Ayton would be to the bench in time for the second quarter or if Phoenix would have time wait until halftime, implying that Ayton would be able to play if head coach Monty Williams so chooses.
The camera showed Ayton warming up by riding a stationary bike on the sideline.
The Thunder will have at least a quarter, and maybe more, without dealing with the big man. Oklahoma City is missing usual starting center Steven Adams and backup Nerlens Noel.
Mike Muscala is starting at center for the Thunder while power forward Dario Saric gets the start in Ayton’s place for Phoenix.
Ayton is averaging 18.9 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game this season while shooting 55% from the field.
