Two Phoenix Suns Rotation Players Go Down With Injury

Teams who are set in the standings for the playoffs at this time of year will routinely rest some of their starters so as to avoid any unnecessary injuries. But when the replacements then go and get injured, it's not ideal.

Backup center Bismack Biyombo and backup point guard Cam Payne each suffered injuries while starting in the Suns' 121-107 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers Friday night.  

Bismack Biyombo was helped off the court after he went down with an apparent knee injury on this play.

Hope he's okay 🙏 pic.twitter.com/vUOwpaAf2a

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 8, 2023

The 6'8" center Biyombo had to be helped off the court after colliding knees with Anthony Davis.  

Payne didn't return for the second half after landing hard on his back in the first half after getting fouled in transition. 

Both players got the start in the game, as starters Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul were rested. 

Head coach Monty Williams was thankful that the injuries were of the "impact, contusion" variety rather than something sinister internally.

Monty Williams is thankful Bismack Biyombo (knee) and Cameron Payne (back) had "impact, contusion type" injuries. #Suns pic.twitter.com/3rr8MUkX9a

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 8, 2023

"We're grateful that they were impact, contusion type injuries... It's one of the reasons that you're cautious at this time of the year. We'll wait until we get the imaging before making any announcement, but from my standpoint I'm just glad it was just impact injuries."

The Suns are locked into the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, and will have home court advantage against either the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers or Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. So sitting players for the final game of the season this weekend is prudent at this point. 

Photo: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports