The Suns suffered another injury setback, with Devin Booker suffering an ankle issue during the team’s loss to the Rockets on March 2.
Phoenix struggled to keep its new big three, Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, on the court at the same time. With three quarters of the season over, the trio only appeared in 23 games together.
Beal has dealt with various injuries throughout the season and now Booker will be sidelined at a pivotal time on the schedule. The Suns are fighting for a top-six finish in the Western Conference, hoping to avoid the Play-In Tournament.
How long will the Suns be without their All-Star guard? The Sporting News brings you the latest updates on Booker’s injury below.
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What is Devin Booker’s injury?
Booker suffered a sprained right ankle against the Rockets on March 2.
While defending Rockets guard Fred VanVleet, Booker’s foot appeared to get tangled with that of teammate Royce O’Neale. Booker and O’Neale both suffered, but Booker caught the worst.
INJURY: Devin Booker injured his ankle after colliding with Royce O’Neale.
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– MLBasketball (@_MLBasketball) March 3, 2024
The All-Star guard hobbled to the locker room immediately after the play and was ejected for the remainder of the game. O’Neale was able to stay down and finish the match.
How long will Devin Booker be out?
Booker will be out seven to 10 days with a sprained right ankle. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Monday March 4.
This is a big blow to an already thin Suns roster as they chase a top-six spot in the West. Booker has been one of the best guards in the NBA, averaging 27.5 points and 6.8 assists per game.
Phoenix is 31-19 with Booker in the lineup this season, but has an ugly 4-7 record without the All-Star.
Fortunately for the Suns, Beal returned to action on March 2 and is expected to assume primary ball-handling duties until Booker returns.
Booker’s injury comes at an inopportune time for Phoenix, which is playing games against top teams like the Nuggets, Celtics (twice) and Cavaliers during its recovery schedule.
Upcoming Suns schedule
Here’s Phoenix’s next schedule during the time Booker is expected to be sidelined:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| March 5 | at Nuggets | 10:00 p.m. | TNT |
| March 7 | against raptors | 21 hours | — |
| March 9 | against the Celtics | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| March 11 | among the Cavaliers | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| March 14 | with the Celtics | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
