Entering a matchup with the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 8 seed Phoenix Suns were always going to be a massive underdog. Phoenix likely needs all hands on deck just to avoid getting shellacked by the juggernaut Thunder. Unfortunately for the Suns, they aren't going to get that.

Well, at least not on Sunday afternoon's Game 1 in Oklahoma City.

Suns starting center Mark Williams, who averaged nearly 12 points and eight rebounds per game this season, has officially been ruled out of Phoenix's playoff opener with a foot injury. The extent of Williams' injury is unclear, as he could theoretically return later in the series, but his absence in the middle of the floor will still undoubtedly be felt against one of the NBA's top teams:

Former 2024 second-round draft pick Oso Ighodaro is expected to start in Williams' place. Ighodaro averaged 6.5 points and roughly five rebounds per game as a primary bench player for the Suns this season. We'll see how Phoenix fares in Game 1 without Williams.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Mark Williams injury: Update on Suns center for Game 1 vs. Thunder