Return of Jalen Green reaches final step for Suns

The Phoenix Suns received a massive boost even before they took the court Monday in what turned out to be a win over the Brooklyn Nets, with news Jalen Green had been upgraded to questionable.

There was some belief that he might return in Brooklyn, Devin Booker was also listed as a doubt for the game but starred as the team moved to 26-17.

Green likely to return versus Philadelphia 76ers

While one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference would have been the ideal opponent to face after so much time on the sidelines, the Suns clearly did not see it that way.

In hindsight it was the right call, Phoenix having more than enough in Booker, Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale to get the better of the Nets.

Instead it seems like this evening's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the second night of a back-to-back, is where we are going to see Green for only the third time this season.

John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports certainly feels this will be the case, and he is usually on the money with roster updates such as this one.

Green's return could not come sooner for Booker either, who after the victory over the New York Knicks spoke of how the franchise had potentially been too cautious in bringing him back from injury.

If ever there was a game to come back and show what he can do, then it is surely against a frisky 76ers outfit that have quietly risen to fifth in the East.

They are the perfect barometer for where the Suns are at in their own season, considering the Knicks were without Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart in that win and the Nets are more interested in the draft lottery.

The final word on this will be whether or not Green is inserted into the starting lineup from the jump. Head coach Jordan Ott might see that as the best way to move forward given he'll be starting and closing games before long, but easing him back into this spot makes sense too.

It would be hard to tell Collin Gillespie or O'Neale that they are moving back to the bench at the first instance that Green is available, given both have had such brilliant campaigns to this point.

Green is back for a sprint to the postseason though, and the timing could not be better for the Suns as they seek to finish what has been a hugely enjoyable season the right way.