The Phoenix Suns will face the Detroit Pistons without their star guard Devin Booker on January 15, 2026. The team officially ruled him out because of a left ankle sprain.
Booker's Injury Timeline
Devin Booker hurt his left ankle during the third quarter of Phoenix's game against the Miami Heat on January 13. He left the court briefly and returned to the locker room. Booker came back to play in the fourth quarter but moved with clear discomfort.
Despite the pain, he managed to score 24 points in that final period. He relied more on shooting skill than agile movement. After the game, the Suns listed Booker as questionable for the upcoming match.
Game-Day Decision
The situation remained uncertain until Thursday morning. Booker participated in a light shootaround before the Pistons game. This activity gave fans some hope he might play.
However, the Suns organization decided to sit him out shortly after. They chose not to risk further injury during a challenging road trip. Head coach Jordan Ott praised Booker's toughness but emphasized the need for caution.
Impact on Phoenix Suns
The Suns have struggled without Booker this season. Their record stands at 1-2 in games he has missed. Those two losses were significant defeats against Houston and Oklahoma City.
Booker's absence creates a substantial scoring gap. He averages 25.2 points and 6.5 assists per game. The team's offensive efficiency drops noticeably when he is not on the court.
Phoenix's net rating decreases by 6.9 points per 100 possessions without him. The offense tends to become more rushed and less effective.
Lineup Adjustments
Grayson Allen will likely move into the starting lineup. Dillon Brooks, who is probable despite illness, will take on a larger offensive role. Brooks' usage rate is expected to jump to 37.9 percent as the primary scoring option.
Detroit Pistons' Advantage
The Detroit Pistons enter this game leading the Eastern Conference. They possess the NBA's second-ranked defense this season. Detroit has consistently performed well against short-handed opponents.
Oddsmakers quickly adjusted the betting line after Booker's status was confirmed. Phoenix opened as a 6.5-point underdog. This reflects both Booker's absence and the Suns' ongoing road struggles.
Detroit's physical, structured defense is well-positioned to exploit Phoenix's weakened offense. The Pistons will look to control the game against a team missing its main offensive stabilizer.
Fantasy Basketball Implications
Fantasy managers should remove Devin Booker from all lineups for this game. Grayson Allen and Dillon Brooks offer potential value in daily fantasy contests. However, expectations should remain modest given Detroit's defensive strength.
Game Details and Outlook
The Suns versus Pistons game tips off at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. The location is Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. For Phoenix, this matchup becomes a test of team depth and composure without their star player.
For Detroit, it represents another opportunity to assert dominance against a weakened opponent. The Pistons will aim to capitalize on Booker's absence to secure a home victory.
