Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns' All-Star guard, made his highly anticipated return to the court in a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies after a five-game absence due to a left groin strain. His last appearance was on December 19, where the Suns faced a defeat against the Indiana Pacers. During his time away from the lineup, the Suns struggled, managing to win only one of the five games played without him, highlighting his crucial role in the team's performance.
Booker is averaging an impressive 25.1 points and 6.4 assists this season, making his return a significant boost for the Suns, who currently hold a record of 15-16, placing them tied for 10th in the Western Conference. In contrast, the Grizzlies, led by a strong season performance, entered the game with a commendable record of 22-11, ranking second in the conference. However, Memphis faced their own challenges as guard Ja Morant is out indefinitely due to a right shoulder strain, and rookie center Zach Edey is also sidelined while in concussion protocol.
Additionally, the Suns are coping with the absence of starting center Jusuf Nurkic, who is serving a suspension resulting from a fight during a recent game against the Dallas Mavericks. The matchup showcases two teams dealing with injuries and suspensions as they navigate the competitive landscape of the NBA.
