The Phoenix Suns have been without star SG Devin Booker for the last week, and they certainly haven’t looked the same. Booker continues to deal with a hip injury as the Suns attempt to stay competitive in the Western Conference playoff race.
Let’s take a look at the latest Devin Booker injury update and see when he could potentially return to the court. In addition, we’ll look at some key stats and PrizePicks projections for who might benefit with Booker out of the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers at 9:00 p.m. ET.
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Devin Booker Injury Update: When Will Booker Return?
The Suns have officially ruled Booker out for Thursday’s game due to a right hip strain.
Booker originally left a January 19 game against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half after logging just nine minutes. The Suns star is scheduled to be reevaluated later this week.
Booker is slated to miss his fourth consecutive game. It’ll mark the 16th contest he's missed this season, with Phoenix having a 6-9 record in games that he doesn’t suit up.
In 44 active contests, Booker has averaged 24.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while shooting just 30.8% from 3-point land.
In addition to Booker, the Suns are also currently without F Dillon Brooks, who is dealing with a left hand fracture. Brooks is expected to be reevaluated in four to six weeks.
Devin Booker Injury Impact: Which Suns Players to Target?
With Booker and Brooks out of the lineup, the Suns could turn to SG Jalen Green as a source of offense.
Green was the centerpiece of the Kevin Durant trade this past offseason but hasn’t seen the court much early in his tenure with the Suns. However, he did recently return from a hamstring injury and has been playing fairly well.
In 11 games (six starts), Green has averaged 13.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 2.3 APG while knocking down just 29.2% of his 3-point shots. In nine games since returning from injury, Green has averaged 12.8 PPG but has scored in double figures in five consecutive contests.
The former second-overall pick also turned in a 26-point performance in a 121-94 loss against the San Antonio Spurs on January 19, which was the game where Booker went down.
According to databallr, Green hoists up 36.1 true shot attempts per 100 possessions, ranking in the 99th percentile. When it comes to Green, volume is normally the name of the game, and that could be even more the case with Booker and Brooks sidelined.
Jalen Green Stats, Projections vs. Lakers
Here are the most popular Jalen Green player picks for Lakers vs. Suns tonight, via PrizePicks, where you can predict More or Less on projected player stats to earn real money.
- 20.5 Points
- 28.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts
- 24.5 Pts + Asts
- 3.5 Assists
- 2.5 3-PT Made (Goblin)
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Make Lakers vs. Suns Picks on PrizePicks
The Suns will continue to be without Devin Booker for Thursday’s game against the Lakers. With Booker sidelined, there are several Suns player picks to consider on PrizePicks, including ones for Jalen Green.
Just pick at least two player stat projections, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you're right. With PrizePicks Team Picks, you can also make predictions on game winners, spreads, and over/unders — now available in 34 states.
Check out the Playbook throughout the season for more NBA picks, predictions, and news every day.
