The Phoenix Suns are currently in a 1-1 series tie in their first-round matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans after losing Tuesday’s Game 2, 125-114.
The loss obviously isn’t ideal, but that wasn’t the biggest takeaway from the game. Suns star shooting guard Devin Booker left in the third quarter with right hamstring tightness after an impressive 31-point first-half and did not return for the rest of the game.
This was obviously concerning for the Suns, but we now have an update that is going to give Phoenix fans much more to worry about going forward. The team announced on Wednesday that Booker has sustained a right hamstring strain, confirmed by an MRI, and there is no timetable for his return.
Per the Phoenix Suns: "Devin Booker has sustained a mild right hamstring strain, an MRI confirmed today. There is no timetable for his return and updates will be provided as appropriate." @NBAonTNT @Suns
— Allie LaForce (@ALaForce) April 20, 2022
This is obviously an unfortunate update for the Suns. Booker has been excellent for the team all season, averaging a career-high 26.8 points per game. He has also been a crucial part of the Suns having the best regular-season record in the NBA.
Though the team said that they have no timetable for a return at this point, it is reportedly believed to be a mild hamstring strain. Booker has not been ruled out from returning at some point in this first-round series.
The right hamstring strain is believed to be mild and Devin Booker isn't being ruled out of this opening-round series vs. New Orleans, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/mFr2XIr25s
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 20, 2022
That news has Suns fans feeling better, as it seems that Booker avoided serious injury and should be back as long as Phoenix can compete in the games without him.
Mild = Grade 1. Probably why team is comfortable not ruling Booker out of series yet. https://t.co/BP9btrtjun
— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) April 20, 2022
Pretty good news, I think. Hopefully, they can regroup and win out to give Booker plenty of rest. https://t.co/Z7u7x21roF
— Scott (@scottmgower) April 20, 2022
Okay.. now I’m good. Time for the team to play to their standards. 🧡💜 https://t.co/uspnE39VjD
— Alma (@almalacubana) April 20, 2022
While the Suns may not need Booker to get past the Pelicans, they will almost certainly need him if they want to return to the NBA finals as they did in 2021.
[Allie LaForce, Adrian Wojnarowski]
