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Devin Booker will miss his fifth consecutive game tonight when the Phoenix Suns finish a six-game road trip versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. The NBA All-Star last played against the Denver Nuggets last Christmas but played just 4:20. He finished with two points.
“Book” originally injured his groin last Dec. 17 when he exploded for 58 points in a 118-114 win against the New Orleans Pelicans. He sat out the next three games to rest his groin and tried to give it a go in the aforementioned game versus the Nuggets.
After seeing his struggles, the Phoenix Suns ultimately decided to pull the plug on their superstar shooting guard. He is expected to miss at least four weeks.
Devin Booker is averaging a career-high 27.1 points to go with 4.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists this season. He is shooting 47.7% from the field and 37.0% from behind the arc.
Before the injury, Booker looked like he was set for another All-Star appearance. Even with Chris Paul missing several weeks to start the season, Phoenix was consistently at the top of the West due to Booker.
The Phoenix Suns are only 1-6 since the three-time All-Star injured his groin. They now hold a 20-18 record, which places them in the eighth spot in the tightly-contested Western Conference.
Booker’s prolonged absence could see the Suns slipping further down the standings.
What is Devin Booker’s status tonight?
The Phoenix Suns have officially ruled him out against the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight. He will be recuperating for at least a month.
Groin injuries are tricky, which is why Phoenix decided not to risk him until he is completely healed.
Booker has played just 29 of the Suns’ 38 games. Prior to the groin injury, he was sidelined weeks ago due to hamstring tightness.
When will Devin Booker return?
Four weeks is the Suns’ initial diagnosis of how long Devin Booker will be out. But it could be more than that depending on how he responds to treatment.
If there is no setback, “Book” could return to action in late January or early February. If he returns in the last few days of the month, he could play at home against the Toronto Raptors.
The Suns could extend their timetable by moving it by a week and take him on the road when they visit the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. As the four-week period draws near, Phoenix is expected to give an update on Booker’s status.
Landry Shamet, Josh Okogie and Damion Lee should continue to get more playing time without Devin Booker. Cameron Payne could also see limited minutes at shooting guard when Chris Paul plays point guard.
“CP3,” Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges will have to share the scoring burden until Booker suits up again.
The good news for the Phoenix Suns is that they’re expecting the return of Cameron Johnson. Johnson played well before he was injured. His availability will lessen the problems head coach Monty Williams will be dealing with without Booker.
Guess the Lakers players!
