Overview
- Reaves was upgraded to available and played against the Suns, his first game since Dec. 10, coming off the bench as minutes were monitored.
- Dončić was ruled out for the Suns game with a lower-left leg contusion and remains day-to-day under a conservative plan, coach J.J. Redick said.
- ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported there is a possibility Dončić could return on Christmas if he feels ready, though no decision has been made.
- Deandre Ayton returned after elbow soreness, while Rui Hachimura (groin) and Gabe Vincent (back) remained sidelined.
- Redick has endorsed Reaves as an All-Star candidate, with the guard posting career-best averages of 27.8 points, 6.7 assists and 5.6 rebounds through 21 games.