Kevin Johnson on Injured List, Will Miss Opener Against Clippers

The Phoenix Suns on Thursday put point guard Kevin Johnson and forward Jerrod Mustaf on the injured list and waived forward Ed Nealy.

Johnson is a two-time All-Star, and Mustaf appeared to be ready to a start at power forward. Both must spend at least 10 days on the injured list and will miss Saturday’s opener against the Clippers.

Negele Knight, who spent the last two months of last season on the injured list, will start at point guard, Coach Paul Westphal said.

It was feared that Johnson had a hernia, but team physician Richard Emerson said the Phoenix floor leader was suffering from “a moderate to severe groin strain.”

Johnson will be sidelined about 14 days, Emerson said.

The Suns signed Frank Johnson, who was cut Tuesday when the team trimmed its roster.

The 6-10 Mustaf, who is in his second year with the Suns and his third in the league, bruised his right shin Oct. 18 in the exhibition opener against Boston.