Suns Guard Jalen Green Suffers Knee Injury, Return Timeline Uncertain

Phoenix's backcourt depth also hit with Jordan Goodwin's ankle issue, raising concerns about the team's ability to maintain consistency amid injuries.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:23am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's injured knee, with overlapping planes of muted earth tones conveying the complexity of the injury and its impact on the team.A cubist interpretation of a basketball player's knee injury and the complex medical challenges facing a contending team.Houston Today

Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green suffered a right knee injury during the first quarter of the team's game against the Dallas Mavericks, forcing him to leave the court and not return for the remainder of the half. The Suns also lost reserve guard Jordan Goodwin to an ankle injury in the same game, further depleting their backcourt depth. Green's injury history and the team's reliance on dynamic wing play raise questions about Phoenix's ability to manage health and maintain continuity as they chase a playoff spot in the tight Western Conference race.

Why it matters

The Suns have built their team around high-usage, guard-centric offense, making them particularly vulnerable when key players like Green and Goodwin suffer injuries. This situation underscores the broader challenge NBA teams face in balancing ambition and sustainability, as the season's outcome often hinges on a team's ability to manage health and leverage their depth when starters are sidelined.

The details

In the first quarter against Dallas, Jalen Green limped to the locker room with a right knee issue and did not return for the remainder of the half. Jordan Goodwin also exited the game with 4:53 left in the first half due to an ankle injury and did not return, forcing the Suns to turn to Ryan Dunn and Collin Gillespie in the second half. Green's injury history, including hamstring struggles that sidelined him for 47 games last season, adds a layer of concern about the team's ability to keep their backcourt healthy and available.

  • Jalen Green left the game in the first quarter with a right knee injury.
  • Jordan Goodwin exited the game in the first half with an ankle injury.

The players

Jalen Green

A guard for the Phoenix Suns who has dealt with injury issues in the past, including hamstring problems that caused him to miss significant time last season.

Jordan Goodwin

A reserve guard for the Phoenix Suns who was having a solid, career-year pace of 8.7 points in 69 games before suffering an ankle injury in the same game as Jalen Green.

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What’s next

The Suns will need to closely monitor the recovery timelines for both Jalen Green and Jordan Goodwin, as their availability will be crucial for the team's late-season playoff push. The coaching staff will also need to find ways to maintain offensive and defensive consistency with their backcourt depth depleted.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the delicate balance NBA teams must strike between ambition and sustainability. The Suns' reliance on dynamic guard play makes them particularly vulnerable to injuries, and their ability to manage health and leverage their depth will be a key factor in determining whether they can maintain their position in the tight Western Conference playoff race.