2 min read • March 09, 2022
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Check out the matchup Court View here.
The Suns welcome star guard Devin Booker back as he has cleared COVID-19 protocols and will immediately be reinserted back into the starting lineup. The Heat are dealing with an illness to All-Star Jimmy Butler and he is listed as questionable heading into the game.
Heat SIC Health Score: 90.1
Butler (FD $7,800) is listed on the report with sinus congestion and will likely play through illness. The two-way forward has averaged just under 40 points on FanDuel and may see his minutes reduced if illness a bigger deal.
A big deal for the Heat is the return of PG Kyle Lowry (FD $7,100) who played 32 minutes in his first game back after missing 4 games due to personal reasons. The veteran guard posted a goose egg in the scoring department but may have his way against the Paul-less Suns tonight.
Another boon for the G position, is the return of oft injured guard Victor Oladipo. The Indiana alum played in his first game in 11 months on Monday as he has dealt with troublesome quad injuries for the past three seasons.
Depth F Caleb Martin (FD $4,700) continues to nurse his Achilles issue and is listed as questionable for the contest. He has managed all season but if he cannot suit up, expect more minutes for talented utility player Max Strus (FD $4,100).
Suns SIC Health Score: 82.7
The Booker return is huge for Phoenix although the top team in the Western Conference showed their depth going 3-1 in his absence. They are still dealing with the loss of All-Pro PG Chris Paul who will miss his 8th consecutive game.
Playing without both stars has been cake for the Suns who have enjoyed fantastic play for guards Cameron Payne (FD $6,800) and Landry Shamet (FD $4,900).
Shamet will hold little value today with the return of Booker but Payne should continue his tear since returning from a wrist ailment. The speedy guard is averaging 15.8 ppg and 11 assists in the 4 games since coming back and has lessened the blow of Paul being out of the lineup for the time being.
Cameron Johnson will miss his second straight game due to a quad issue and he will he be missed as he has provided key secondary scoring for the Suns this season.
Although Booker has returned, the Heat will throw out a healthy roster contingent on if Butler plays and hold the health advantage heading into Wednesday night:
Kyle Lowry O12.5 Points - Expect the guard to round back into form in his second game back
O220.5 Total Points - Bigger play if Butler can play through illness, expect Suns to run a more fluid offense with Booker back
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