Devin Booker Out as Suns Face Red-Hot Pistons in Major Road Test
Good evening, everyone. We’re following a big NBA story tonight as the Phoenix Suns head into Detroit shorthanded and it could have real consequences for the road ahead.
The headline is this. Devin Booker will not play tonight when the Suns take on the Detroit Pistons. This comes after Booker suffered a left ankle sprain late in Phoenix’s loss to the Miami Heat earlier this week. It happened on a hustle play, going up to contest a shot, landing awkwardly near the baseline. You could see right away he wasn’t comfortable.
Now, what stands out here is that Booker tried to push through it. He went back to the locker room briefly, returned and even finished the game. He logged heavy minutes, scored 24 points and tried to steady the Suns down the stretch. But clearly, the ankle didn’t respond well enough and the team has decided not to risk it for this matchup.
That decision matters, because this is not just any opponent. Detroit comes into this game leading the Eastern Conference with a 28–10 record. They’ve been one of the most consistent teams in the league this season, physical, disciplined and tough to break down defensively. And they’re well-rested, while Phoenix is at the start of a long road trip.
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For the Suns, Booker’s absence puts immediate pressure on the rest of the lineup. He’s not just their leading scorer. He’s the offensive organizer, the late-game decision-maker and the emotional tone-setter. Without him, Phoenix has to find scoring and leadership elsewhere and quickly.
There is some mixed news on the injury front. Royce O’Neale is expected to play despite a biceps issue, which helps defensively and on the glass. But Phoenix is still missing key depth. Jalen Green remains out with a hamstring strain and Jamaree Bouyea is still in concussion protocol. Nigel Hayes-Davis is questionable as well, dealing with his own ankle problem.
On the Detroit side, the Pistons aren’t at full strength either, but their core remains intact. Several players are dealing with minor injuries, yet all are expected to be available. That gives Detroit a clear advantage in continuity and chemistry, especially at home.
So tonight’s game becomes a measuring stick for Phoenix. Can they stay competitive against one of the NBA’s best teams without their star? Can they tighten up defensively after recent struggles? And can they protect Booker by not rushing him back too soon, even if it costs them a game or two in the standings?
These are the balancing acts teams face in January. Health versus urgency. Long-term goals versus short-term wins.
We’ll see how the Suns respond in Detroit and we’ll keep a close eye on Booker’s recovery as this road trip continues. That’s the latest for now.
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