Key Player Ruled OUT for Suns vs. Nuggets Game 6
Already without starting point guard Chris Paul, the Phoenix Suns will also be without starting center Deandre Ayton in Game 6 vs. the Denver Nuggets. Ayton had previously been listed as questionable with a rib contusion, and has now been downgraded to out.
Ayton has struggled at times in this series, but his absence does change how Phoenix can attack this game. Backup center Jock Landale has provided quality minutes for the Suns in this series, but the team will almost certainly have to rely on smaller groups throughout the course of Game 6, as there is not much insurance up front behind Landale.
Without Ayton, Phoenix could get creative with their small units, including Kevin Durant at the five in certain groups. Part of what makes Durant so special, is that his length makes him a solid rim protector. While Phoenix may not start Durant at the five, his ability to protect the rim while also forcing Jokic to play in space could be something they look to utilize without their starting center.
It is important to note that Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray also has his status in question entering this Game 6, as he was recently added to the injury report with a non-covid illness. With Paul and Ayton already ruled out for Phoenix, fans are certainly hoping to not see any more key players go down.
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