Devin Booker’s status was revealed for the Phoenix Suns’ home game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns are looking to start the group stage of their first ever inaugural tournament on the right foot when they host the Los Angeles Lakers.
They’ll be without Devin Booker, who is still dealing with a calf strain.
Booker has played just twice thus far for the Suns, first appearing in the season opening win against the Golden State Warriors before spraining his ankle in the late stages of the contest. He eventually worked his way back last week against the San Antonio Spurs before suffering from his current ailment, a calf strain.
Through those two games, Booker averaged 31.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 10.5 assists. Phoenix is just 4-4 through their first eight regular season games, the latest coming in a close overtime road victory over the Chicago Bulls.
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Earlier in the week, NBA insider Shams Charania initially reported Booker could return during Phoenix’s upcoming three-game homestand:
“I’m told there’s optimism Devin Booker will also return to the Suns’ lineup potentially as soon as Friday. The Suns have a three-game homestand – Friday against the Lakers, Sunday against the Thunder and then next Wednesday against the Timberwolves,” said Charania.
“So finally, all three of the Suns’ vaunted big three of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker seem to be on the cusp of getting on the court together. That’s what we’ve been waiting for, is seeing how this team gels with those three in the lineup.”
Durant has been the lone member of the big three to remain healthy through the course of the regular season.
Beal made his regular season debut vs Chicago after dealing with back tightness and notched 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and two blocks while on a minutes restriction.