Ayton (Knee) Returns to Action vs. Mavericks Friday

Deandre Ayton (knee) is set to play in Friday's game against the Mavericks, NBA reporter Marc Stein confirms. He is returning from a one-game absence due to a knee issue and is expected to have no limits on his playing time. The star big man has averaged 16.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and 0.9 steals in 27.8 minutes per game across his last nine appearances.