Devin Booker, an All-Star guard for the Phoenix Suns, is expected to play against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday after spraining his right ankle.
Booker has missed the last four games due to doubts about his health. He did not play in Saturday’s 117-107 defeat to the Boston Celtics. Since Booker stomped on teammate Royce O’Neale’s ankle and left the game against the Houston Rockets last Saturday, Phoenix has gone 2-2.
Phoenix also listed reserves Eric Gordon (right ankle sprain), Josh Okogie (lower abdominal strain) and Nassir Little (left knee inflammation) as out. Gordon played 29 minutes against the Celtics and didn’t score, although he is averaging 12 points per game this season on 38% shooting from beyond the arc.
Okogie has not played in Phoenix’s last four games, while Little has been out the last six contests.
Booker was back on the practice floor Friday and in his usual pregame warmup spot on Saturday. He was active on the bench, coaching up teammates during a timeout.
“We definitely don’t want to rush him back,” Kevin Durant stated following his 45-point performance in Saturday’s defeat. “I am excited to get him back.” “It is a crucial juncture in the season, and his health must be optimal.” We would certainly be able to buy him a few more hours or days to get him properly, but we would miss him on the floor.
This season, Booker has averaging 27.5 points and 6.8 assists per game.
