Devin Booker sidelined again as Suns face crucial test against Thunder
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns have confirmed that star guard Devin Booker will not take the court in tonight’s highly-anticipated NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite being upgraded to questionable just yesterday, the Suns have opted to hold him out, marking his third consecutive game missed due to a right groin strain sustained during Phoenix’s decisive win over the Los Angeles Lakers last Monday.
Booker, who has been a pivotal force for the Suns this season, is currently averaging 25 points and 6.7 assists per game. His absence will undoubtedly impact the Suns, who enter this matchup with a record of 14-10. Last Wednesday, the team indicated that Booker would be re-evaluated in one week, and today’s assessment evidently did not yield the results necessary for his return.
Injury Updates and Impact on the Roster
Joining Booker on the sidelines tonight are Jalen Green, nursing a right hamstring strain, and Isaiah Livers, who is dealing with a right hip strain. The Thunder, boasting an impressive record of 23-1, will also be without Isaiah Hartenstein due to a right soleus strain and Isaiah Joe, who has a left knee contusion.
Booker has been spotted participating in shooting drills after practices during the Suns’ current road trip, indicating some progress in his recovery. However, as reported by Duane Rankin, he was notably absent from the shooting session open to the media this morning. Typically, if he were cleared to play, he would have been seen getting shots up during that time.
The Suns will have to adjust their game plan yet again as they prepare to face a formidable Thunder team without their leading scorer. The spotlight will now shift to how Phoenix can compensate for Booker’s absence in this crucial playoff scenario.
