Devin Booker Injury Update: Will the Suns Star Return Sooner Than Expected?

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker will miss another game as he continues recovering from a right groin strain suffered earlier in December. The team confirmed on December 8 that Booker will remain out against the Minnesota Timberwolves and will be re-evaluated on Wednesday.

The injury forces Booker to sit for a second straight matchup, raising questions about his short-term return timeline. Phoenix has leaned heavily on his scoring and playmaking this season, making his status a central concern as the Suns try to stay competitive in the Western Conference.

Latest Devin Booker Return Timeline and Injury Details

Booker sustained the right groin strain on December 1 and has been sidelined since the injury occurred. According to team officials, his next evaluation will take place one week after the initial diagnosis. That check-in could determine whether he is available for the Suns’ upcoming NBA Cup Quarterfinal against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

However, returning that quickly may be difficult. Groin strains often require careful recovery to avoid setbacks, and Booker’s workload has been high through the first 23 games of the 2025–26 season. Phoenix has opened the campaign with a 13–10 record, securing the No. 7 position in the Western Conference standings.

Without Booker, the Suns scored just 98 points during their December 5 loss to the Houston Rockets. Booker is averaging 25.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 45.7 percent from the field. His production remains essential to Phoenix’s offensive structure, even as his scoring pace dipped after a strong October.

Trusted outlets such as the Associated Press have noted how Phoenix’s offense shifts significantly when Booker is unavailable. The team loses its primary shot-creator, and secondary contributors must adopt larger roles during stretches without him. Those pressures continue as the Suns navigate December with multiple players dealing with injuries.

What Booker’s Absence Means for Phoenix and the Road Ahead

Booker’s absence places additional pressure on the Suns’ supporting rotation. Phoenix is already managing injuries to Jalen Green and Dillon Brooker, tightening the available scoring options. Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie and Mark Williams could see expanded roles until Booker is cleared to return.

Short term, the Suns must rely on defensive stability and improved ball movement to offset their missing star. Long term, monitoring Booker’s recovery becomes crucial as Phoenix prepares for key December matchups and the league’s in-season tournament.

Booker’s return timeline remains dependent on his next evaluation this week, but the Suns expect clarity soon. His injury update continues to shape Phoenix’s December outlook as the team searches for consistency without its leading scorer.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Devin Booker’s current injury status?

Booker is out with a right groin strain suffered on December 1. He will be re-evaluated on Wednesday to determine next steps.

Q2: When could Devin Booker return to the Suns lineup?

The earliest potential return would be after his mid-week evaluation. His availability depends on medical clearance and recovery progress.

Q3: How has Phoenix performed without Booker?

The Suns scored only 98 points in their first game without him and struggled to generate efficient offense. His absence is strongly felt.

Q4: How important is Devin Booker to the Suns?

Booker is the team’s primary scoring option and playmaker. His averages this season highlight how central he is to offensive success.

Q5: What is the Suns’ record so far this season?

Phoenix is 13–10 through 23 games and currently holds the No. 7 spot in the Western Conference standings.