Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is expected to return soon after missing a week due to a hip injury, raising hopes for the team’s playoff push. Booker’s comeback will come as Phoenix prepares for a challenging week, starting with a late Tuesday night game against the Sacramento Kings, followed by a three-games-in-four-nights stretch at home against the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, and Charlotte Hornets.
Progress and Preparation Ahead of Upcoming Games
Suns head coach Jordan Ott discussed Booker’s progress during practice on Sunday, highlighting that Booker was able to take part in live drills.
Continues to progress. He was able to get some live work here in practice, which again helps because we have so many days in between, so we can do that. Even some of our rotation players were able to get in and do some 5-on-5 up and down work,
Ott said to reporters (h/t Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic).
Ott added,
We’ll see how that goes for tomorrow, how he feels tomorrow and then of course Tuesday.
The Suns plan to release their initial injury report before their game against the Kings on Monday evening, which could indicate Booker will be fully cleared for action after his extended rest. Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro had earlier reported that Booker’s return is likely this week, possibly on Tuesday or Thursday.
Suns’ Standings and Team Performance Without Booker
The Suns currently hold a 34-26 record, occupying the seventh seed in the Western Conference with 22 games remaining this season. They trail the sixth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers by just 1.5 games, a position that could allow Phoenix to avoid the play-in tournament entirely.
Without Booker in the lineup last week, Phoenix posted a 2-2 record, struggling offensively and missing his significant contributions on the floor.
Suns center Mark Williams noted the difference Booker’s presence makes, stating,
You get Book back, it definitely makes everybody’s life easier. Makes my life easier,
Williams said.
Obviously defenses got to show him a lot more attention … He’s going to be top of the scouting report, the focal point [for other teams].
Williams continued,
Everybody knows the talent he is and obviously these last couple of games where we’ve been struggling offensively, having that bail-out card or get out of jail free [card]. It’ll be good to have him back, whenever that is.
Booker’s Impact on Team Dynamics and Fellow Players
Booker is averaging 24.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists for the 2025-26 season. His return is anticipated to relieve some pressure on other scorers, including guard Jalen Green.
Coach Ott addressed Green’s condition and the expected influence Booker will have on the team, commenting,
Now he’s played in those games, five games after the All-Star break. He’s a little sore from it and that’s normal. Just going through all the normal basketball things that you take for granted when you start the season. Now he’s doing it 50 games in. When Book does come back, that adds a different piece. I think we’re all excited for that to see how it all looks,
Ott added on Green.
What Booker’s Return Means for Phoenix Suns’ Playoff Outlook
Devin Booker’s imminent return offers a vital boost for the Phoenix Suns as they enter the final stretch of the season. With playoff seeding still very much in play, Booker’s presence could improve their offensive consistency and overall competitiveness. This could help Phoenix move up beyond the play-in zone and secure a more favorable position in the Western Conference postseason race. The coming games will be telling, as the Suns test their resilience and renewed lineup against strong opponents.
Suns coach Jordan Ott on Devin Booker (right hip strain): "Continues to progress. He was able to get some live work here in practice, which again helps because we have so many days in between, so we can do that even with some even our rotation players were able to get in and do… pic.twitter.com/Z7ekAdCEuG
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 1, 2026
"You get Book back, it definitely makes everybody's life easier. Makes my life easier."
Mark Williams on Devin Booker (right hip strain), who has missed Phoenix's last 4 games.
Booker practice today as he continues to progress.
"He looked pretty good. He's always going to do… pic.twitter.com/XX2lq9aScg
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 1, 2026
