Eric Bledsoe Has Sprained Knee, Out At Least a Week

Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe has a sprained right knee and will miss at least a week.

The Suns made the announcement Saturday. If Bledsoe sits out just one week, he will miss games Saturday vs. Milwaukee and the first three games of a five-game road trip – Tuesday at Chicago, Wednesday at Minnesota and Friday at Memphis.

Bledsoe was a late scratch from Thursday’s home loss to Memphis with the injury, which left at least one NBA gambler unhappy.

The Suns are 3-4 this season without Bledsoe, who missed six games in November with a bruised shin. While he was out, Gerald Green started alongside Goran Dragic.

Phoenix has been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season. Expected to endure a rebuilding phase with a roster full of young players and rookie coach Jeff Hornacek, the Suns are 19-12, good for seventh in the loaded Western Conference.

Bledsoe is a big reason why. Acquired in an offseason trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, Bledsoe is averaging career highs of 18.0 points, 5.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds and is among the league’s most improved players.

Suns GM Ryan McDonough opted not to give Bledsoe a contract extension before the Oct. 31 deadline, which may end up being a costly decision.