The Phoenix Suns will be without their superstar guard Devin Booker for the first time this season when they host the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. Booker suffered a left groin injury during Thursday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers and has officially been ruled out for the Pistons game.
Booker Exits Early Against Pacers
The injury occurred with just over 5 minutes remaining in the third quarter of the Suns’ 120-111 defeat to Indiana. Booker pulled up gimpy after a drive to the basket and immediately headed to the locker room. He was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
Prior to his early exit, the 28-year-old had racked up 17 points and 6 assists in 25 minutes of action. He made 5 of his 10 field goal attempts, continuing his efficient start to the season.
MVP-Caliber Numbers
Through the Suns’ first 28 games, Booker is averaging a stellar 25.1 points, 6.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds per outing. His scoring and playmaking have kept Phoenix near the top of a loaded Western Conference despite the extended absence of star point guard Chris Paul.
Hopefully, it’s nothing serious.
– Suns center Jusuf Nurkic on Booker’s injury
Uncertain Timetable
As of now, the Suns have not provided any details on the severity of Booker’s groin issue or a potential return date. More information will likely become available after further evaluation over the coming days.
Groin injuries can be tricky and teams tend to be very cautious with bringing players back too quickly. The Suns will certainly hope Booker can return to the court soon, but won’t rush the face of their franchise.
Next Man Up
With Booker out, look for sharpshooter Damion Lee and sixth man Cam Payne to take on expanded roles in the Suns offense. Big men Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges will also be relied upon to carry more of the scoring load.
- Lee is shooting 45% from three this year
- Payne averages 11.8 points and 5.2 assists off the bench
Still, there is no replacing a talent and leader like Booker. His absence will be felt and present a real challenge for a Suns squad with championship aspirations.
Booker’s Importance to the Suns
Since being drafted 13th overall in 2015, Booker has blossomed into one of the NBA’s elite shooting guards. His scoring prowess and development as a passer have transformed him into the engine that makes the Suns go.
| Booker’s Impact | On Court | Off Court |
| Offensive Rating | 115.8 | 106.2 |
| Net Rating | +5.3 | -4.1 |
As the numbers show, the Suns are a significantly better team with Booker on the floor. His ability to generate efficient offense for both himself and his teammates is the catalyst for their success.
Staying Afloat in the West
Despite this being Booker’s first missed game, Phoenix sits at just 16-12, clinging to the 5th seed in the Western Conference. The West is as competitive as ever this season, so treading water without their best player could prove difficult.
The Suns will now turn their focus to a favorable home matchup against the 7-22 Pistons on Saturday. Even without Booker, they will be heavy favorites and hope to get back on track.
Going forward, all eyes will be on Booker’s status as Phoenix looks to keep pace in the playoff race. Groin injuries are notoriously hard to pin down, so the Suns will have to prepare for the possibility of an extended absence from their star guard.
Devin Booker (groin) listed out Saturday.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 20, 2024
The Suns have weathered injury issues all season, losing Paul and key role players Cameron Johnson and Jae Crowder for long stretches. But Booker has been the constant, delivering All-NBA level play on a nightly basis.
If Phoenix is going to remain in the title hunt, they will need their franchise cornerstone back and healthy sooner than later. For now, Monty Williams will look to his depth to fill the massive void as the Suns await word on Booker’s return.
