Suns' Chandler will not play vs. Trail Blazers

Tyson Chandler is out for the Phoenix Suns against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, according to Craig Grialou of Arizona Sports.

The center has missed eight of the last nine games with a hamstring injury, but said he's "absolutely closer" to a return.

"Everything happens for a reason sometimes and the injury gave me a different perspective," the veteran said Thursday, according to the Arizona Republic's Paul Coro. "A lot of times, when you're in the mix, you can't pinpoint what's going on because everything is going so fast ... being out and watching Alex (Len), I see things. I see a lot of areas where we can improve."

Fellow big man Len, 11 years Chandler's junior, has played particularly well in the last three games, recording a career night Wednesday with 20 points and 14 rebounds against the Orlando Magic.

While the 2012 NBA Defensive Player of the Year was signed by Phoenix last summer mostly for his rim protection, he's struggled offensively. His 46.4 percent field goal percentage is his lowest since 2003-04, and a far cry from being a near-65 percent shooter, as he's been the last five seasons. Furthermore, he's taking fewer shots, with less than four field goal attempts per game.

"Sitting back and watching, I'm seeing a lot of opportunities," Chandler said.