Why is Devin Booker not playing tonight against Pistons? Latest on Suns guard's absence (Dec. 21)
Devin Booker has been ruled out of the Phoenix Suns' home game against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday due to left groin soreness. Booker sustained the injury during the Suns' previous game, a 120-111 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
The star guard started strong in the game against the Pacers but was forced to leave with 5:18 remaining in the third quarter and did not return. He finished with 17 points, two rebounds and six assists in 25 minutes.
Franchise cornerstone Kevin Durant addressed Booker’s latest injury setback, expressing hope for his teammate’s quick recovery from the groin issue.
"You hate that injuries can get in the way of beautiful basketball, the game of basketball,” Durant said after the Suns' loss against the Pacers. "It’s a part of it, but it still sucks, tough to take. Hopefully, Booker gets better by the hour. We’ll see how he feels the next couple of days and go from there."
The Suns have faced persistent challenges this season due to injuries to their star players. Both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal have missed games, making it difficult for the team to establish on-court chemistry. Devin Booker, who has been a steady presence, will miss his first game of the season on Saturday after appearing in all 26 games so far.
Suns point guard Tyus Jones expressed frustration over the team’s ongoing struggles with injuries to key players, highlighting the difficulties caused by their consistent absences.
"It's wild," Jones said on Friday. "It's unfortunate. The timing has been crazy I feel like with each injury, but it's a part of it. Again, we've got to figure out ways to continue to get the job done, continue to improve and continue to get wins."
Booker is having an All-Star-worthy season, averaging 25.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game.
Where to watch Phoenix Suns vs. Detroit Pistons?
The Phoenix Suns vs. Detroit Pistons game will take place on Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The game will tip off at 9 p.m. EST (6 p.m. PT).
The Suns vs. Pistons game will be broadcast live on AZFamily (local) and FDSDET (local) while live streaming will be available on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website (regional restrictions may apply).