3 years agoPhoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton and power forward Jae Crowder have both cleared the league's health and safety protocols, but remain sidelined Thursday vs. the Clippers as they ramp up to game speed. The duo will be missing their sixth consecutive contest, which should allow Jalen Smith and Cameron Johnson, respectively, to continue enjoying elevated minutes and offensive usage. Ayton enjoyed his best month of 2021-22 before entering the protocols, averaging 18.7 points and 10.6 boards per outing, while his usage% climbed to 23.1%. Crowder remains an on-the-fence season-long asset due to his limited offensive output, but he has managed to knock down at least one triple in 13 of his last 14 outings.--Jesse Borek
Source: Duane Rankin