Nick Richards to Start for Suns Against Pacers Due to Mark Williams' Rest

Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards, 27, is slated to start Thursday's game against the Pacers, marking his first start of the season as Mark Williams rests. Richards, who signed a three-year, $15 million extension with the Hornets in March 2023 before being traded to the Suns in January 2025, will join Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, and Royce O'Neale in the starting five. Known for his ability to accumulate rebounds and blocks when given significant minutes, Richards was a five-star prospect in high school, earning 2017 Mr. Basketball in New Jersey. At Kentucky, he significantly improved, averaging 14.0 points and 7.8 rebounds with 64.4% field goal shooting in his junior year, leading the team in rebounds and blocks, and earning first-team All-SEC honors before declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft.