2 min read • April 20, 2022
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The Suns diagnosed star guard Devin Booker with a right hamstring strain and is unlikely to play in their next two road games in New Orleans according to reports.
Booker left Tuesday’s loss to the Pelicans with 4:35 remaining in the third quarter after appearing to suffering the strain chasing after Larry Nance Jr. on a fastbreak.
The reported mild nature of the hamstring strain is good news for Booker and only missing Games 3 and 4 would be a best-case scenario, according to the ProBasketballDocs.
The term strain represents a tear, even if microscopic, and there is no way any degree of tear recovers in even the seven days between Game 2 and next Tuesday’s Game 5.
His return will be a matter of pain management and if he can play without aggravating the injury. Booker, who missed seven games over 19 days with a November 30 left hamstring strain, plays aggressive offense that hinges on his quick movements, acceleration and deceleration, and ability to rapidly read and react to a defender’s movements.
His style doesn’t point towards a short absence, and if he does comeback to the No. 1 seed in the first round, would carry a significantly lowered SIC Health score close in the 50s or 60s, meaning he would be around 60% of his normal health and productivity.
He is one of the best guards in the NBA and an elite scorer so he would make a difference regardless, but until further notice, don’t expect Booker to be the same animal anytime soon.
Landry Shamet started all 14 games that Booker missed this season. The 25-year-old guard averaged 12.4 points on 40.9% shooting from three, a productive output but a far-cry from the efficient 26.8 points per game Booker averaged in what was an All-NBA caliber season.
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