Oso Ighodaro (oblique) improving, still day-to-day

No surprise here as Ighodaro was initially listed as doubtful and has since been ruled out for Monday’s game against the Thunder. Khaman Maluach started and had nine points and nine rebounds with Ighodaro out against the Warriors on Saturday. Maluach is likely to start again Monday.

Ighodaro did not play in Saturday’s win over the Warriors, leading to a significant increase in starter Khaman Maluach’s playing time. Expect that to continue if Ighodaro can’t play against the Thunder.

With Oso Ighodaro (oblique) sidelined, Maluach did not have to worry about a timeshare at center. He logged 28 minutes against the Warriors, recording a complete stat line and finishing one point and one rebound shy of a double-double. If the Suns had a good schedule, Ighodaro’s injury would make Maluach a more popular fantasy player. However, they have another two-game week in Week 2, so adding Maluach in 12-team leagues offers little upside.

Ighodaro exited early from Wednesday’s game against Portland and was initially listed as doubtful for this one. Duop Reath should fill out the backup center minutes behind Khaman Maluach.

Ighodaro, initially believed to have suffered a hip injury during Wednesday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, has been diagnosed with an oblique strain. His absence on Saturday would likely result in Duop Reath playing rotation minutes off the bench, with Khaman Maluach remaining the starting center.

Ighodaro took a hit to his right hip during the second quarter of Wednesday’s game. Although he initially tried to play through the injury, the 7-footer was subbed out with just over a minute left in the half. Ighodaro didn’t return to the bench for the third quarter, and he’s done for the night. Khaman Maluach, who started Wednesday’s game, should play more minutes while Duop Reath slides into the back end of the rotation.

Hours after reports emerged that the Suns would waive Brea, the team made it official. With CJ Huntley also being waived, the Suns have two open two-way contract slots. With Mark Williams injured, one of those contracts will go to Duop Reath, who was in training camp on an Exhibit 10 deal.

The 40th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Ighodaro appeared in all 82 games for the Suns last season, starting 24. In those outings, he averaged 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.9 steals in 22.0 minutes per game. With Mark Williams sidelined due to injury, Ighodaro could begin the season as Phoenix’s starting center, with Khaman Maluach as his competition. Regardless of who wins the job, both will play rotation minutes. The contract gives Ighodaro added security, but that doesn’t change much regarding his fantasy outlook. He’s a late-round option at best.

After coming off the bench in the Suns’ first two exhibition games, Maluach received the starting nod on Saturday. The second-year center held his own, leading all players with 15 rebounds while also recording a double-double. Oso Ighodaro (8/4/5/2/2) was the replacement in the starting lineup last season when Mark Williams missed time, but many believe Maluach offers a higher fantasy ceiling. He’s worth grabbing with a late-round pick in drafts, with the potential to deliver more value if Maluach earns the starting center role.

The Suns have played two preseason games, and Ighodaro started both at center. While this may disappoint fans hoping to see Khaman Maluach (six points, seven rebounds and four assists) take the reins with Mark Williams (shoulder) injured, Oso starting isn’t a major surprise. He started 24 of the Suns’ 82 games last season and appears better equipped than Maluach to help the Suns immediately. However, Ighodaro starting the first two games doesn’t mean the final decision is made. This position battle is worth tracking through the rest of the preseason.