Mark Williams' shoulder injury now has an estimated return date of February 3, a roughly four-month wait for the center who averaged a double-double last season. Phoenix opens preseason tonight at Detroit, the first of three games this week before the regular season begins October 21 in Portland.
Williams' long wait. Mark Williams had shoulder surgery in September and is now out with an estimated return of February 3, a wait of roughly four months. The center who averaged 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds last season won't factor into the Suns' plans until well into the regular season.
Tipoff in Detroit. The Suns open their preseason slate tonight at the Pistons, who went 60-22 last season behind Cade Cunningham's 23.9 points and 9.9 assists. Jalen Duren, Detroit's double-double center, carries a day-to-day, undisclosed designation.
Minutes when needed. Last season, three Suns saw their roles grow when a teammate sat: Dillon Brooks averaged 28.7 points in 39 minutes over his final three games, Oso Ighodaro's minutes rose 12 a night, and Jalen Green's rose 13. The samples are small, but they map out Jordan Ott's bench pecking order.
A busy week. Detroit is the first of three preseason games this week: Phoenix plays at the Bulls on October 7, then hosts the Spurs on October 10 on ESPN2. The regular season begins October 21 on the road against Portland.
Brooks' legal cloud. Dillon Brooks faces a misdemeanor DUI charge reported September 30, with no update since on how it will be resolved. It hangs over a backcourt already reshaped by Bradley Beal's buyout and Kevin Durant's trade to Houston.
The open question. With Williams sidelined deep into the season, Phoenix still hasn't settled its starting center for October 21: Khaman Maluach, Oso Ighodaro and Duop Reath, cleared from a foot issue on October 3, are all in the mix.
When do the Suns play their next preseason game?
Phoenix is at the Pistons on October 5, then plays at the Bulls on October 7 and hosts the Spurs on October 10 on ESPN2.
When will Mark Williams return for the Suns?
Williams has an estimated return of February 3, 2027, following a shoulder and arm injury; he has not played for Phoenix yet this season.
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