Key Suns role players out in crucial matchup against Rockets

PHOENIX — Phoenix Suns starting center Nick Richards and sharpshooting bench wing Grayson Allen are officially out on Wednesday against the Houston Rockets.

Richards (right ankle soreness) and Allen (left foot soreness) showed up on the injury report on Wednesday morning listed doubtful for Phoenix after getting star guard Bradley Beal back from a recurring calf injury. Mike Budenholzer officially deemed them out just over an hour before tip off. Richards averaged 14.5 points and 8.3 rebounds in his last four games. Allen is shooting 43.4 percent from deep this season.

Missing Beal in their last contest, a 120-118 loss to the Jaren Jackson Jr.-less Memphis Grizzlies, the Suns (30-35) can’t afford anymore hiccups. They sit 2.5 games behind the Dallas Mavericks (33-33) for the 10th seed and final spot in the West play-in.

With 17 games left, Phoenix has the toughest remaining strength of schedule in the association with a combined opponent winning percentage of .593. Dallas, which is decimated with injuries, has the 21st toughest (.490).