Suns Clear Grayson Allen Status Before Beal, Lakers Matchup

Injured Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen has recently been declared out indefinitely with an abdominal injury.

Phoenix Suns' shooting guard, Grayson Allen, has been sidelined indefinitely due to an abdominal injury, the team announced. Allen, who has started 47 games for the Suns this season, suffered the injury in a game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. He will undergo further evaluation to determine the severity of the injury and a timetable for his return.

The injury to Allen is a significant blow to the Suns, who are currently fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Allen is one of the team's best three-point shooters and has been a key contributor on both ends of the floor.

In Allen's absence, the Suns will likely turn to Damion Lee and Duane Washington Jr. for increased minutes in the backcourt. Lee, who was acquired from the Golden State Warriors in a trade deadline deal, has started 10 games for the Suns this season and is averaging 10.3 points per game. Washington, who was drafted by the Suns in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft, has started 14 games this season and is averaging 9.5 points per game.

The Suns will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night before embarking on a four-game road trip. The Lakers are currently tied with the Suns for eighth place in the Western Conference standings.

The Suns will be looking to snap a two-game losing streak against the Lakers, who have won the last two meetings between the two teams. The Lakers are led by LeBron James, who is averaging 30.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game this season. Anthony Davis is also a key contributor for the Lakers, averaging 24.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.