Everything suggests that tonight’s game between the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers will be thrilling. Three of the NBA’s best teams—the Dallas Mavericks, the Boston Celtics, and the Minnesota Timberwolves—have lost to the Cavaliers in the last month. Conversely, the Suns have dropped three of their previous five games, including sets against the Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Houston Rockets. Unquestionably, Devin Booker’s absence has exacerbated the Suns’ downturn. Fans of the Suns should be grateful that Devin Booker might be returning tonight.
With a sprained right ankle that kept him out of four games, Booker looks set to get back in the Suns starting lineup. Booker is categorized as probable for tonight’s game against the Cavs based on the official injury report. On March 2, while Booker was guarding Rockets player Fred VanVleet, he suffered an ankle injury. Houston lost 118-109. Josh Okogie (lower abdominal strain) and Eric Gordon (left knee contusion) are also included on the Suns’ injury report, and both are expected to miss tonight’s game.
Booker has been involved on the sidelines, wanting to assist his team in any way he can, despite being unable to play.
It goes without saying that Kevin Durant is eager for Booker to return. During Saturday night’s 117-107 loss to Boston, Durant scored 45 points for Phoenix. Durant spoke with Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic following the game to discuss Booker’s return and its significance for the Phoenix club. “A remarkable leader. Durant remarked, “Someone we look to all game.” “I’m eager for him to return, but I don’t want to push things. We need him to be as healthy as possible since it’s a crucial portion of the season.” Durant is correct; there are just 18 games remaining in the regular season. The NBA is in a crunch, with the Western Conference in particular being quite close.
