Bender contributed 10 points (4-8 FG, 2-4 3Pt), three rebounds, three assists, and one block in 27 minutes during Tuesday's 122-114 win over the Nets.

EDGE Analysis

Bender finished with a season high in scoring and matched his career high in assists, and he has now seen 20-plus minutes in three straight games while knocking down at least one trey in six consecutive contests. Given that the Suns are on the verge of trading Eric Bledsoe (and maybe Tyson Chandler) and have entered rebuilding mode, it's likely that Bender is set to see ample opportunities to hone his skills for the remainder of the campaign.

Bender managed 13 points (4-8 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and one block across 26 minutes in Wednesday's 113-104 preseason loss to the Trail Blazers.

EDGE Analysis

The second-year big man closed out the preseason with his best effort over four exhibitions. Bender brings considerable pedigree as the fourth overall pick in the 2016 draft, but he mustered just 3.4 points and 2.4 rebounds across 13.3 minutes in 43 games during his rookie campaign. The 19-year-old should be in for a more expanded role this season as part of the frontcourt rotation, with his 7-foot-1 frame allowing him to be deployed at either center or power forward.

Bender (ankle) logged nine points (4-9 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 0-2 FT), seven rebounds and two blocks across 14 minutes in a 123-116 loss to the Rockets on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Bender had been sidelined for the past two months while recovering from surgery to remove a bone spur in his right ankle, but looked impressive in his light action off the bench in his return. The Suns likely plan to get an extended look at the 19-year-old over the final few games of the season, so he could see a slight uptick in playing time over the next week and a half. He may be worth monitoring down the stretch, but considering he's shooting just 37.6 percent from the floor on the season, Bender doesn't warrant an immediate add in most leagues.

Bender (ankle) will be available for Sunday's tilt against the Rockets, Doug Haller of The Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bender will be available for Sunday's matchup after missing the past seven weeks of the season due to minor surgery to remove a bone spur in his right ankle. His recovery took longer than expected, but the Suns will have him back for their remaining regular-season games. On the season, Bender is averaging 3.2 points and 2.2 rebounds across 12.7 minutes per game and could see a similar workload moving forward. Though, with the Suns well out the playoffs, they could opt to give Bender extended minutes. Regardless, he can likely be ignored in the vast majority of fantasy formats.

Bender (ankle) has increased his activity of late and hopes to return before the end of the regular season, the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's been nearly seven weeks since the rookie underwent minor surgery on his ankle, and while his recovery has taken longer than expected, Bender is showing signs of tangible progress. "I'm not doing contact or anything like that," Bender said. "I'm shooting on the court before the games and I'm trying to run as much as I can on the treadmill, just putting weight on the ankle to see how it responds. Coach Earl Watson said the recent workouts have left Bender "tired," but he's encouraged by how well the 19-year-old is moving following the procedure. Watson also said he expects Bender to return for "at least a few games" before the end of what's been a difficult regular season for the young Suns.

Bender (ankle) was able to get up some shots on the court during the Suns' pregame warmup Sunday, Doug Haller of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bender has been sidelined since early February after requiring surgery on his right ankle, but the Suns haven't closed the door on him returning at some point during the final two and a half weeks of the season. He's been out of a walking boot for more than a month and may only need to regain conditioning at this point following the long layoff. Once he's cleared to play, Bender would likely serve as the top backup at power forward to Marquese Chriss, resulting in fewer minutes for veteran Jared Dudley.

Bender (ankle) has been ruled out for four-to-six weeks following arthroscopic surgery Wednesday, David Aldridge of TNT reports.

EDGE Analysis

This ends up being pretty good news for the rookie forward, as earlier reports feared that Bender missing the remainder of the season was a real possibility. The timetable given would mean that Bender would have a chance to return in early-to-mid March, but given the Suns' playoff hopes are a long shot, they likely won't be in any rush to bring their rookie back. Fellow rookie Marquese Chriss could potentially be pushed into even more minutes at the power forward position in Bender's absence, but the big the big man being out shouldn't have too drastic of an impact on the team's rotation.

Bender underwent surgery on his sore ankle Wednesday and could miss the rest of the season, John Gambadoro of ArizonaSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Suns won't have a concrete timetable for Bender until after the procedure is completed, but given that the playoffs are still a pipe dream for Phoenix along with the fact that there's a little over two months remaining on the schedule, it would be surprising if the organization rushed the prized lottery pick back into action. Bender had missed four games to close out January due to the sore ankle and aggravated the injury in his return to action Feb. 1, missing the Suns' subsequent three contests. With Bender likely starting at a multi-week absence at the very least, Marquese Chriss could be pressed into even more minutes as the starting power forward, while P.J. Tucker and T.J. Warren could also see more run at the position.

Bender (ankle) is out for Monday's matchup against the Pelicans, Doug Haller of AZCentral.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Earl Watson considers Bender game-to-game, but he won't suit up for Monday's game. Bender has missed six of the past seven games for the Suns, allowing guys like Marquese Chriss and Alex Len to see bumps in minutes, though coach Watson hasn't stuck to a consistent bench rotation this season, making either player a risky DFS play.

Bender (ankle) is out for Saturday's tilt against the Bucks.

EDGE Analysis

Bender's ankle issues continue, as he'll miss Saturday's game against the Bucks. P.J. Tucker, T.J. Warren, and Alex Len should all see extra run as a result,.