Phoenix Suns Keep Jalen Green Out for Clippers, Nuggets Games

When Jalen Green, shooting guard of Phoenix Suns was ruled out for the back‑to‑back road matches, the franchise’s early‑season hopes took a noticeable dip. Coach Jordan Ott, head coach of the Suns, announced on Thursday, October 24, 2025, at the team’s practice facility in Phoenix, Arizona, that Green’s right hamstring strain would keep him off the court against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday and the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. The news matters because Green was expected to be the primary scoring spark beside veteran guard Devin Booker, and his absence forces the Suns to lean on depth players early in the 2025‑26 campaign.

How the injury unfolded

Green first felt the strain during the Suns’ preseason trek to China, a five‑day whirlwind from October 10‑15, 2025, that left several players nursing sore muscles. According to Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports, the young guard aggravated a lingering issue on the final day of the trip. By the time the regular season opened, the medical staff had hoped a brief rest would be enough, but a repeat flare‑up on October 22 forced Ott’s staff to place Green on the injury list.

The official injury report posted at 5:30 PM ET on October 25 listed Green as “Out – Right Hamstring; Strain.” A second update at 7:30 PM confirmed the same status for the Denver game, which will be played at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. The Suns also noted that 24‑year‑old center Mark Williams was out with right‑knee management, a double‑hit to the lineup.

Immediate lineup adjustments

With both Green and Williams sidelined, veteran shooting guard Grayson Allen has been inserted into the starting backcourt. Allen, 29, brings three‑point shooting but lacks Green’s explosiveness. The Suns also leaned on rookie forward Jaden Ivey for extra minutes, though Ivey is still finding his NBA rhythm.

Opposing teams have taken notice. The Clippers, who will host the Suns at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, listed guard Jordan Miller (24) as “Out – Left Hamstring Soreness.” The matchup thus becomes a test of depth on both sides.

Why Green’s absence is a big deal

Before signing with Phoenix in the 2025 free‑agent market, Green logged 186 consecutive regular‑season games, a streak that highlighted his durability. CBS Sports noted that durability was one of the reasons the Suns paid a hefty $12.5 million contract. Losing a player who can average 18+ points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists would have a measurable impact on the Suns’ offensive rating, especially when the team’s early record sits at 1‑1, tied with the Lakers, Clippers, and Kings.

Devin Booker, now 28 and the franchise cornerstone since the 2015 draft, will shoulder more playmaking duties. In the season‑opening win over the Sacramento Kings (120‑116 at Golden 1 Center), Booker posted 24 points, but analysts expect his usage rate to climb as Green’s minutes dwindle.

Broader implications for the Western Conference race

The Suns’ three‑game road swing — Clippers, Nuggets, then Utah Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City — serves as the first real proof of the roster’s depth. A win against Denver could move Phoenix into a tie for second place in the Pacific Division, while a loss might see the Suns slip behind the Warriors, who lead at 2‑1.

Additionally, the health of the backcourt will influence how the Suns approach free‑agent moves before the trade deadline. If Green’s strain requires a 2‑4‑week rehab, Phoenix may consider adding a veteran wing before the February window to keep the offense balanced.

What’s next for Green?

Ott hinted at a possible update “by the end of the road trip,” meaning after the Utah game on October 28. If Green clears his rehab protocol, the earliest he could suit up is the home contest against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 29 at the Footprint Center. Until then, the Suns’ medical staff will stick to a conservative regimen — light‑cycle work, ultrasound, and progressive agility drills.

Fans in Phoenix are already voicing their concerns on social media, with some urging the team to “play it safe” and others restless for the flashy guard’s debut. The consensus? They want him back, but not at the cost of a chronic issue.

Key Facts

• Player ruled out: Jalen Green, shooting guard, right hamstring strain.
• Games missed: vs. Los Angeles Clippers (Oct 25) and Denver Nuggets (Oct 26).
• Location of games: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles) and Ball Arena (Denver).
• Current Suns record: 1‑1, tied for fourth in the Pacific Division.
• Potential return date: earliest Oct 29 vs. Memphis Grizzlies at Footprint Center.