Insider Sparks Exciting Update on Suns Starter Mark Williams

Williams, dealing with a left foot third metatarsal stress reaction, has been out since March 3 due to injury.

The Suns have since been forced to roll with Oso Ighodaro as their starter with rookie top ten pick Khaman Maluach as the secondary option. At times, this has forced Suns coach Jordan Ott to play small-ball which has put Phoenix in some disadvantageous situations.

Williams is averaging 11.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and one assist per night. His presence in the paint and overall rebounding ability on the glass has indeed been missing from Phoenix's nightly lineup, even in spite of Ighodaro being more athletic and Maluach protecting the rim better.

"Goes no contact, now contact. Build up to 5-on-5. 5-on-5 at halfcourt. 5-on-5 full court. That's kind of the steps and normal progressions with something that he has bone related," Ott said of Williams' injury last week. "How much stress can that bone handle? So it's got to be really diligent on those steps."

The Suns have indeed been diligent with injuries, though with the postseason nearing, Phoenix undoubtedly has to get healthy with just six games remaining.

After Dillon Brooks made his return last game, Williams' expected re-arrival to the starting lineup looks to get the Suns back to their fully healthy starting lineup.

Tip tonight between Suns-Hornets is set for 4:00 PM AZ time. We should officially know if Williams is available an hour before game time if his official designation on the injury report doesn't change.