Star center Deandre Ayton has missed Phoenix’s last two games with a left ankle sprain. In turn, it’s time for the latest Deandre Ayton injury update and how this might impact your NBA DFS decisions.
The Suns cut right to the chase and listed him as out for both contests, but they have upgraded him to questionable tonight. Ayton’s return would carry significant consequences for the NBA betting markets, and bettors looking for an edge should heed this advice or check out the OddsShopper tools for sharp NBA bets.
Deandre Ayton Injury Update – NBA DFS Impact
The Phoenix Suns tagged both Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton as questionable for tonight’s game against the Lakers. The Suns haven’t played since Saturday, so it’s not a question of load management. The team also canceled practice on Sunday.
#Suns injury report vs. #Lakers
Devin Booker (groin soreness) Deandre Ayton (left ankle sprain) QUESTIONABLE.
Jock Landale (concussion protocol), Cameron Payne (right foot sprain), Duane Washington Jr. (hip) OUT
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 19, 2022
Ayton actually suffered another left ankle sprain earlier this year. He went down in the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans and sat out Phoenix’s next two games. While that sounds commensurable to the situation he finds himself in now, Ayton picked up his previous left ankle sprain on a Friday and returned on a Friday. In contrast, he picked up this injury last Tuesday.
The Suns could opt to rest Ayton here to give him the same amount of time off as he got earlier in the year. Further, since this is the second time Ayton has sprained his left ankle, it would make sense to approach the issue with caution. Although the Suns are pressed for depth in the frontcourt with Ayton hurt and Jock Landale concussed, they aren’t in an impossible situation.
If Deandre Ayton Sits, Who Benefits?
If Ayton sits, Bismack Biyombo will slide into his starting role. Biyombo started in his place for Phoenix’s last two games, and the veteran big man averaged 8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He also blocked a shot in both contests. Biyombo becomes a decent DFS option if Ayton sits, especially since the Lakers have allowed plenty of rebounds and blocks to opposing big men.
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Behind Biyombo, the Suns will probably give Dario Saric a fair amount of run. Torrey Craig or Ish Wainwright could slide over to the five spot for a few minutes as well. Of those players, Craig has the highest floor, but he should also come with the highest price tag and player prop totals. Saric makes for the most appealing bargain-bin option should Ayton sit.
Lakers-Suns NBA DFS and General Betting Tip
Despite Phoenix’s concerning injury report, the Los Angeles Lakers are nearly double-digit underdogs. They’re playing on the wrong end of a back-to-back, so the books likely anticipate LeBron James sitting. He’d join Anthony Davis, who is out for a month with a right foot injury, on the sidelines.
The Lakers don’t have a ton of depth behind their big-name stars, but backing a limited Suns team to cover a double-digit spread doesn’t feel sharp. Bettors should stay away from this game or wait for Biyombo’s rebounding and block props to open, which would only happen if Ayton gets ruled out. If those markets do become available, bettors should back the over if the totals are reasonably close to what Biyombo averaged over his last two games: 5.5 rebounds and 1 block.
