Bender didn't record any stats in three minutes during Tuesday's 126-124 loss to the Spurs.

EDGE Analysis

Bender returned to a reserve role with Richaun Holmes stepping into the starting lineup. Despite the absence of Deandre Ayton (ankle), Bender barely saw the floor, this after earning just 13 minutes in Sunday's contest against the Lakers while Holmes dialed up a double-double complete with four blocks. Given that the Suns did not pick up Bender's option for next year, there isn't much incentive for the team to continue trying to develop him. As a result, he's unlikely to see significant minutes during Saturday's matchup with the Hawks -- even if Ayton remains sidelined.

Bender will move to the bench for Tuesday's game against the Spurs, Duane Rankin of AZCentral.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bender strung together five consecutive starts in the absence of Deandre Ayton (ankle), and while the rookie remains out Tuesday, Phoenix will unsurprisingly go with Richaun Holmes as the starter. Holmes made his return to action Sunday against the Lakers after missing four straight games, and though he came off the bench, he started the second half and ended up playing twice as many minutes (26) as Bender (13). Expect a similar split Tuesday -- perhaps even more in Holmes' favor.

Bender tallied five points (2-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four boards and one block across 13 minutes Sunday in the Suns' 116-102 loss to the Lakers.

EDGE Analysis

Bender's stock had been on the rise after he averaged 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 triples and 1.0 steal over the previous four games, but the ride appears to be over now. After playing no fewer than 28 minutes in any of those four contests, Bender saw that total get cut in half with Richaun Holmes (foot) returning from a four-game absence. Perhaps even more troubling, Bender only saw five seconds of court time in the second half, as 10-day signee Emanuel Terry and Holmes instead filled most of the minutes at center. Bender looks like he's the third man on the depth chart at the position heading into Tuesday's game in San Antonio and he could fall another spot if Deandre Ayton (ankle) is cleared to play.

Bender recorded 14 points (6-11 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, two assists and a steal across 32 minutes in Friday's 132-95 loss to Denver.

EDGE Analysis

Bender got the start in place of DeAndre Ayton (ankle) and backup Richaun Holmes (foot). It was hard for anyone to really excel in this game inside as they were outrebounded 57-35. The Suns will get a day of rest on Saturday, which will put Ayton and Holmes one step closer to health, which will send Bender back to the bench.

Bender totaled 17 points (6-12 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-3 FT), three rebounds, and three steals in 28 minutes during Thursday's 120-106 loss to Portland.

EDGE Analysis

Bender remained in the starting lineup Thursday with both DeAndre Ayton (ankle) and Richaun Holmes (ankle) on the sidelines. He produced 17 points and three steals and while his value is not going to hold, he is worth a look until both Ayton and Holmes can return to the lineup.

Bender will make another start Tuesday against the Timberwolves, Duane Rankin of AZCentral.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Suns will again be without Deandre Ayton (ankle), and Richaun Holmes (foot) is doubtful, so Bender will make his second consecutive emergency start at center. The former top-five pick has been a massive disappointment since entering the league, but he showed some flashes in Sunday's game -- also against Minnesota -- finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block in 29 minutes of action.

Bender contributed 12 points (4-10 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 4-7 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists, and one block in 29 minutes during Sunday's 116-114 loss to the Timberwolves.

EDGE Analysis

Bender drew his first start of the season with Deandre Ayton (ankle) and Richaun Holmes (foot) sidelined and recorded season highs in scoring and rebounding. The 21-year-old big man has appeared in just 15 of 48 games here in 2018-19, but he made the most of his opportunity in this one. It's unclear whether Bender will remain a part of the rotation once Ayton and Holmes return to the lineup, but unless both are back immediately, Bender is likely in line to earn decent minutes again during Tuesday's rematch with the Timberwolves.

Bender is slated to start Sunday against Minnesota, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bender will receive his first start of the season with Deandre Ayton (ankle) and Richaun Holmes (foot) both out due to injury. Bender has seen action in just two of his teams previous nine contests, and he's failed to score over that stretch.

Bender tallied eight points (3-7 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT) and three rebounds across 25 minutes Thursday in the Suns' 108-86 loss to the Trail Blazers.

EDGE Analysis

Bender has played in each of the Suns' last three games, all of which have been losses by at least 17 points. With that in mind, the elevated playing time Bender received should be taken with a grain of salt, as the Suns made it clear where the big man stands in their organization after declining his fourth-year team option earlier this season. Bound for free agency after the season, Bender probably won't get extended run in competitive games unless the Suns lose multiple rotation power forwards or centers to injury.

Bender had his fourth-year option declined by the Suns on Tuesday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fourth overall pick in 2016, Bender is in his age 21 season and would have been owed $5.9 million next year. He was underwhelming last year in 25.2 minutes per game, averaging 6.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists on 38.6 percent shooting from the field and 36.6 percent from long range. Bender has appeared in just three games so far for Phoenix this season, totaling 11 minutes. It seems unlikely he'll see a significant uptick in workload for the remainder of the campaign. As a result of the team declining his option, Bender will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.