Is Deandre Ayton Playing Tonight? (Latest Injury Updates and News for Mavericks vs. Suns on Jan. 26)

The Phoenix Suns will look to wrap up their homestand on a high note on Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks. The Suns have managed to win four in a row despite not having Deandre Ayton available for the last three due to a non-Covid illness.

Deandre Ayton Injury Update (1/26/2023)

Fortunately for Phoenix, it appears Ayton is finally ready to return, as he's listed as probable for Thursday's contest.

While the Suns are 8-1 without Ayton this year, they'll surely be happy to have him back on Thursday. Ayton is one of the best big men in the NBA when healthy, averaging 17.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per game this year.

Ayton will be needed for tonight's Western Conference clash against a tough Dallas squad that has the same record as Phoenix (25-24). The Suns are hopeful that Ayton's return to the court can give them a boost in this critical game.

Deandre Ayton Fantasy Outlook and Prop Bets Today

With Ayton likely to play on Thursday, he has some intriguing prop bets to consider on FanDuel Sportsbook's NBA odds. One that we like in particular is the over on 9.5 rebounds (-111), as he's grabbed double-digit boards in five of his last six games while averaging 12.2 rebounds per game during that stretch.

The 24-year-old is also a solid play in DFS lineups tonight with a price tag of $7,500. That's more than reasonable for a player who's topped 39 fantasy points in three of his last five outings. Ayton probably won't be on a minutes restriction given the stakes of tonight's game, so expect him to produce another strong fantasy showing.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.