Royce

O'Neale

A consistent presence in the Suns’ starting lineup, O’Neale averaged career-highs in points (9.8) and three-pointers (2.7) last season. The veteran wing was also responsible for 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 71.1 percent from the foul line. While not a prolific scorer, O’Neale gives the Hornets a veteran 3-and-D wing the team needs, especially with Josh Green (who was not much of a three-point shooter) being included in the LaMelo Ball trade. As was the case in Phoenix, O’Neale stands to be most valuable to fantasy managers needing three-pointers and steals.

Goodwin left Sunday’s Game 1 loss to the Thunder after five minutes with a sore left calf and didn’t return. Royce O’Neale started the third quarter in his place and finished with four points in 23 minutes. O’Neale could be looking at a spot start if Goodwin is ruled out for Game 2. Grayson Allen could also be an option, though he got a DNP-CD in Game 2 as he was available despite a hamstring injury.

Goodwin played five first-half minutes before exiting with a sore left calf, and he has now been ruled out for the rest of the game. Royce O’Neale started the third quarter and will take on an important role, especially with Grayson Allen (hamstring) yet to play despite being listed as available.

Allen injured his hamstring during the Suns’ penultimate game of the regular season, an April 10 loss to the Lakers. According to Ott, the veteran guard’s availability for Friday’s Play-In Tournament game against the Warriors will depend on whether he can sprint. Royce O’Neale and Collin Gillespie take on added importance in their respective roles with Allen unavailable.

Tuesday’s absence marks Allen’s second straight missed game due to a hamstring injury. Without him, the Suns won’t have the services of one of their best and most reliable three-point shooters. His scoring and floor spacing off the bench will be missed, but Royce O’Neale could provide similar production in that specific role.

Allen suffered a left hamstring injury during Friday’s loss to the Lakers and hasn’t played since. The 30-year-old small forward was replaced in the lineup by Royce O’Neale, which could be the case again if Allen is ruled out on Tuesday.

While Booker, Brooks and O’Neale are sitting for injury-management reasons, Allen is out with a left hamstring injury he sustained during Friday’s loss to the Lakers. As for Saturday evening, the Suns were still listing the issue as a sore hamstring, but that’s something to keep an eye on ahead of Tuesday’s play-in game. Rasheer Fleming, Amir Coffey and Koby Brea are three wings who are in line to play rotation minutes on Sunday.

O’Neale came off the bench on Friday, and his role may have become more important due to Grayson Allen’s hamstring injury. Allen, who went down during the second quarter, is expected to undergo imaging on Saturday to determine the severity of the injury. If he has to miss time, O’Neale’s role takes on added importance because of what he can bring to the table as a three-point shooter and defender.

Allen exited Friday’s game during the second quarter after injuring his left hamstring. He played 13 minutes, finishing with eight points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one three-pointer. Royce O’Neale moved into the lineup to begin the third quarter.

Allen’s absence on Wednesday will remove a three-point shooting threat from the Suns’ rotation. Allen is averaging a career-best 3.2 made three-pointers per game. While sidelined, Royce O’Neale could be Phoenix’s go-to three-point shooter off the bench.