The Suns might have their big three of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker on the floor as they visit Intuit Dome for the season opener against the new-look Clippers. But they might be missing a significant pair. Guards Damion Lee and Grayson Allen continue to be on rocky ground as the latest injury report surfaces. Coach Bud had mentioned earlier that they would determine the availability of their perimeter stars after looking at how they respond to practice on Tuesday.

Both Lee and Allen have been effective in their role as three-point shooters for the Suns, effortlessly contributing to the team’s offensive strategy. With stars like KD and Book drawing defensive attention, having Grayson and Damion on shooting duties means additional scoring opportunities. It is under such circumstances that Law Murray of The Athletic dropped an update about the players who are on the injury list, as well as the “expected” starting lineup.

“The Phoenix Suns report that Grayson Allen (Achilles’) and Damion Lee (hamstring) are probable for tomorrow night at LA. Josh Okogie (hamstring) is out. Suns expected to start Tyus Jones, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic.”

For Allen, 2023-24 was a season of career highs. He averaged 13.5 points (a 3.1 increase from the previous season), just under 4 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting 49.9% from the field and 46.1% (a 6.2% increase!) from downtown in 75 games (all starts except one). And all this while clocking in 33.5 minutes per game.

But perhaps more to our point, it was also an all-time three-point shooting season for the 29-year-old.

Grayson Allen has been the X factor for Kevin Durant & Co.

Allen tied the franchise record for the most treys in a game three times earlier this year with 9 made three-pointers. The first and second were in January, during the 113-97 win over the Heat and 119-117 victory over the Kings, respectively. The third time was also a win, 115-102 vs the 76ers, in March.

Furthermore, he also broke the Suns‘ record for most threes in a half with 7 straight triples in a quarter, finishing the winning night against the Raptors with 8 total three-pointers. And if that wasn’t enough, the Duke alum also led the league in the highest three-point accuracy in 2023-24.

Do you see why Grayson Allen has developed into a crucial piece for the Suns now?

And between the hooper’s absence in much of the preseason because of Achilles soreness and personal reasons, Allen ensures that he still catches enough practice and workouts to be ready when the time comes. Hopefully, make his case for that Sixth Man role.

And as for Damion Lee, he missed the last game of the preseason with a hamstring issue. But there’s no doubt that the 6’6 guard is going to give it his all when he does suit up. It hasn’t been easy for Damion the past year. A right meniscus tear that turned out to be a rare double root tear in training camp resulted in him being sidelined for 514 days before he took the floor for the preseason opener.

Rehabbing from the injury wasn’t simply about getting back to his pre-injury shape. It also included frequent visits to a mental health professional. Anyway, D-Lee overcame all the odds and is looking to help the Suns clinch a title this time. Predictions? Drop ’em below.