Bender will get the start Monday against the Grizzlies with Marquese Chriss out, Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bender's jump to the starting lineup comes as Marquese Chriss is dealing with an ankle injury. In January, Bender's seen his playing time increase to 26.3 minutes per game, however he's scored double-digit points just twice in those 12 games.

Bender will play a reserve role in Friday's matchup versus the Knicks.

EDGE Analysis

Bender will be replaced at power forward by Marquese Chriss. It will mark the end of a six game streak of consecutive starts for the second year stretch-four. His minutes will presumably take a hit as a result.

Bender compiled seven points (3-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt), three rebounds, and two assists in 28 minutes during Monday's 109-105 loss to the Bucks.

EDGE Analysis

After Bender combined for 34 points, 14 rebounds, nine threes, six assists, five blocks, and one steal across 71 minutes during consecutive contests against the Thunder (Jan. 7) and Rockets (Jan. 12), the sophomore big man has managed measly averages of 4.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 threes, and 0.3 blocks in 30.0 minutes per game during the four games since. Marquese Chriss (hip) is improving but remains without a timetable for his return. As a result, Bender seems likely to keep playing plenty of minutes for at least a little while longer even if he continues to struggle.

Bender is expected to start at power forward against the Rockets on Friday, Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Marquese Chriss unavailable due to a strained hip flexor, Bender will step into the starting lineup for just the second time this season. The big man will look to follow up his impressive display following Chriss' exit from the team's previous game, as he posted 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal across 39 minutes of action.

Bender recorded 20 points (7-9 FG, 6-8 3Pt), six rebounds, four assists, three blocked shots and a steal in 39 minutes during Sunday's 114-100 win over the Thunder.

EDGE Analysis

When Marquese Chriss exited the game with an injury, Bender came in and lit it up, contributing in every category. He led the team in blocked shots and 3 -pointers in a career-best performance. If Chriss' injury persists Bender may get the opportunity to replicate his excellent showing, but either way, he'll face a difficult test against the Rockets on Friday.

Bender scored 17 points (6-10 FG, 5-8 3PT) to go with two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block across 30 minutes in Saturday's 108-106 win against Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

After averaging 3.2 points over his last 11 games, Bender exploded for a career-high 17 points against Minnesota. The forward ended his scoring slump through sinking a career-high five three pointers. Overall, Bender's efficiency from long range has improved to 37.3 percent compared to 27.7 percent from his rookie season of 2016-17. While Bender led the team in scoring as a reserve on Saturday, the forward went his previous 11 games without cracking double-digits in scoring. In fact, Bender has only scored in the double-digits in 5-of-31 games this season. While Saturday's offensive performance was surprising, Bender is not a consistent source of scoring for Phoenix.

Bender will shift back to a bench role for Wednesday's game against the Pistons, Scott Bordow of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bender drew his first start of the season on Tuesday, but struggled severely, going scoreless (0-2 3Pt), with four rebounds and two assists across 23 minutes. That has prompted coach Jay Triano to shift back to Marquese Chriss, who's already started 16 games this season. The Suns are currently dealing with a logjam in the frontcourt and multiple guys have alternated as DNP-CDs, including Alex Len and Greg Monroe. Bender could see a few less minutes off the bench, though the whole situation is likely one to avoid if possible.

Bender will draw the start at power forward for Monday's game against the Bulls, Scott Bordow of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bender will be making his first start of the season, as the Suns have rolled Marquese Chriss as the starter most of the year, as well as Greg Monroe over the last two games. However, in an effort to get more of a floor spacer working with the top unit, Bender will get the call to join the starting five. Bender will likely see a slight uptick in minutes, but will still have competition for playing time with the likes of Chriss and Monroe, which could limit his overall upside. Monroe heads to the bench in the corresponding move.

Bender totaled 11 points (4-7 FG, 3-4 3Pt), six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block across 34 minutes in Wednesday's 113-107 overtime loss to the Bucks.

EDGE Analysis

The second-year forward has started to come on, posting all three of his double-digit scoring efforts this season over the past five contests. Bender's minutes total was easily a season high, while his rebound haul was his best since Oct. 28 against the Trail Blazers. The 20-year-old has been a solid source of rebounds all season, but it remains if his recent scoring uptick will endure.

Bender totaled four points (1-7 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, and one assist in 20 minutes during Sunday's 113-105 win over the Bulls.

EDGE Analysis

Bender essentially split time at power forward with starter Marquese Chriss, who finished with eight points, six boards, and three dimes in 21 minutes. With Greg Monroe joining the Suns as part of the Eric Bledsoe trade, Bender shouldn't be expected to see many minutes at center as long as Monroe and Alex Len remain healthy (and on the roster). Nevertheless, rookie Josh Jackson appears to be spending most of his time off the bench at small forward, so Bender isn't being squeezed out of the rotation.