Suns Center Mark Williams Out for Play-In Game vs. Warriors

Williams has been dealing with a left foot injury, while Grayson Allen is questionable with a hamstring strain.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of orange, purple, blue, and yellow representing the Suns and Warriors colors.The Suns' frontcourt depth will be tested as they take on the Warriors without injured center Mark Williams.Phoenix Today

Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams has been ruled out for Friday's Play-In game against the Golden State Warriors due to ongoing left foot soreness. Williams missed 15 games in March with the injury but returned to play in four of the last six regular-season games and the first Play-In game. Suns forward Grayson Allen is also listed as questionable with a left hamstring strain and will be a game-time decision.

Why it matters

The Suns will be without a key part of their frontcourt rotation as they look to secure a playoff spot against the defending champion Warriors. Williams' absence means more minutes for Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach, who filled in admirably during his previous absence.

The details

Williams missed 15 games in March due to the foot injury but returned to play in four of the last six regular-season games, averaging 23.5 minutes. He did sit out the regular-season finale but played 22 minutes in the first Play-In game against the Portland Trail Blazers. However, he has now been ruled out for Friday's crucial matchup against the Warriors.

  • Williams missed 15 games in March due to the foot injury.
  • He played four of the last six regular-season games, averaging 23.5 minutes.
  • He sat out the regular-season finale but played 22 minutes in the first Play-In game.
  • Williams has been ruled out for Friday's Play-In game against the Warriors.

The players

Mark Williams

A 24-year-old center for the Phoenix Suns who has been dealing with a left foot injury.

Oso Ighodaro

A Suns forward who started all 15 games that Williams missed in March, averaging 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.8 blocks in 29.5 minutes per contest.

Khaman Maluach

A Suns player who picked up backup center minutes during Williams' previous absence.

Grayson Allen

A Suns forward who is listed as questionable for Friday's game with a left hamstring strain.

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What they’re saying

“Suns injury update: Mark Williams (left foot soreness) OUT. Grayson Allen (left hamstring strain) QUESTIONABLE.”

— Duane Rankin, Reporter

What’s next

The Suns will have to adjust their frontcourt rotation without Williams, likely relying more on Ighodaro and Maluach to fill the minutes. Grayson Allen's status will also be a key factor as the Suns look to secure a playoff spot against the defending champion Warriors.

The takeaway

The Suns' depth will be tested as they take on the Warriors without their starting center Mark Williams, who has been dealing with a lingering foot injury. The team's ability to adapt and get contributions from role players like Ighodaro and Maluach could be the difference in this crucial Play-In game.