Suns Revise Starting Lineup Against Heat Due to Injuries
The Phoenix Suns are set to face the Miami Heat in their fifth game of the season without star player Devin Booker. The absence comes after Booker suffered a right ankle sprain during a recent loss to the Atlanta Hawks. This injury raises concerns for a team that has already struggled offensively without him.
Suns’ Challenges Without Devin Booker
So far this season, the Suns have played four games without Booker, securing just one victory and experiencing issues with shooting efficiency. In these games, the team has averaged only 100 points, shooting 41.3% from the field and 30.3% from beyond the arc.
Injury Updates
- Devin Booker: Right ankle sprain, re-evaluation in one week.
- Jalen Green: Hamstring tightness from Atlanta game.
Alongside Booker, Jalen Green will also be absent for tonight’s game after re-injuring his hamstring early in the matchup against Atlanta. The Miami Heat will join the Suns in being shorthanded, missing Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, and Davion Mitchell due to injuries.
Previous Matchup and Game Strategy
The Suns will look for revenge against the Heat, who previously defeated them 127-121 on January 13. Bam Adebayo led Miami with 29 points in that encounter. This game serves as the start of a five-game homestand for the Suns, who are hoping to improve their home record.
Projected Starting Lineup
In Booker’s absence, Grayson Allen will take his place in the starting lineup. The full lineup for tonight is as follows:
- Collin Gillespie
- Grayson Allen
- Dillon Brooks
- Royce O’Neale
- Mark Williams
Coach’s Insights
Before the game, Suns coach Jordan Ott expressed the team’s focus on overcoming the challenges posed by injuries. He stated, “There’s a little grieving process after the Atlanta game and then you move forward.” Ott emphasized the importance of preparation as they face a determined Miami team known for its hard work.
Tonight’s matchup is scheduled to tip-off at 6:00 p.m. MST. The Suns aim to leverage their home advantage and find a way to score effectively without their key players.
