The Phoenix Suns have been one of the NBA’s biggest surprises in the season’s first half. Projected by many to be a lottery team after trading Kevin Durant, the Suns are firmly in the Western Conference playoff race. One of the key pieces to arrive in Phoenix through the Durant trade is scoring guard Jalen Green. Green has dealt with a nagging injury this season, and his current status was recently revealed.
What Is Jalen Green’s Status Against the Cavaliers?
The Suns’ social media account revealed on X that Green is likely in the lineup for the team’s home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, writing, “BREAKING: Jalen Green is OFF the injury report tonight against the Cavaliers. He’s back.”
Green has only played in four games so far this season, while dealing with constant right hamstring issues. Green initially injured his hamstring during training camp, and has dealt with multiple setbacks since. The latest flare-up occurred in last week’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, when Green only played four minutes.
He’s averaging 11.8 points per game in his brief appearances, while shooting 43.2% from the field and 42.1% from three. Suns Head Coach Jordan Ott said the organization will be cautious with Green over the next few weeks.
Green was drafted second overall in 2021, as the Rockets hoped he would develop into the franchise player that first overall pick Cade Cunningham has become for the Detroit Pistons.
While Green became a top scorer, averaging over 20 points per game in two of the last three seasons, he wasn’t always efficient. While the Rockets were willing to be patient with Green, everything changed when the organization hired Head Coach Ime Udoka in 2023 and started rising up the Western Conference.
The Rockets essentially ran out of patience with Green after a rough playoff series against the Golden State Warriors last year. Green averaged 13.3 points per game, while shooting 37.2% from the field and 29.5% from three. However, Green now has a fresh start in Phoenix, with the organization viewing him as a potential All-Star running mate next to franchise player Devin Booker.
Green may be a role player in the second half of the season if he can stay healthy, as others have stepped up to help Booker get the Suns to a 29-19 record. Dillon Brooks also arrived in Phoenix through the Durant trade and is having the best scoring season of his career. The Suns have also received great production from Collin Gillespie and Grayson Allen.
“You see a player like me who was scrutinized, told that he wasn’t good.”
Dillon Brooks over the last three games:
😈 30.7 PPG
😈 55.0% FG
😈 47.1% 3PT
😈 5.0 RPG
😈 3.0 APG
😈 1.3 BPG pic.twitter.com/u5miGFUKcr— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 30, 2026
The Suns are also a much better defensive team than expected this season. A healthy Green could make them a team nobody wants to face in the playoffs. As of writing, the Suns are ranked seventh in the Western Conference.
