Exciting Preseason Matchup Alert: Suns’ Booker, Durant, Beal Absent for Game vs. Nuggets

The Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets are both considered top contenders for the NBA championship, but in their preseason game on Tuesday, the Suns’ Big 3 won’t be taking the court, as confirmed by the Suns themselves.

No Devin Booker, Kevin Durant or Bradley Beal tonight for the Suns, per the team

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) October 10, 2023

Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal are not injured but simply not playing. Kellan Olson from ArizonaSports.com reported that all three players were seen putting in extra work after practice today.

deluxe edition pic.twitter.com/cWBO08EfgH

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) October 10, 2023

The Nuggets are also expected to be missing some key players. Harrison Wind, a Nuggets beat writer, reported that Jamal Murray is questionable for the game, while Michael Porter Jr. will be out.

Nuggets injury report tonight at Suns:

– Jamal Murray questionable (right hamstring tightness)
– Christian Braun questionable (left calf contusion)
– Michael Porter Jr. out (left ankle sprain)

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) October 10, 2023

The absence of players in preseason games does not affect the NBA’s new Player Participation Policy. In April, the league established a minimum appearance requirement for players to be eligible for major annual awards and honors, mandating that they play in at least 65 of the 82 regular-season games.

Furthermore, the league implemented a system of fines for teams, with penalties exceeding $1 million for repeat offenders.

While Bradley Beal and Devin Booker must adhere to the regular-season rule, Kevin Durant is exempt. According to Sports Illustrated, players who are 35 years old by opening night or have accumulated 34,000 regular-season minutes or 1,000 regular-season and playoff games are exempt from the rule.

Other eligible players include LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, and Mike Conley.

Tune in tonight to catch all the action as the Denver Nuggets face off against the Phoenix Suns at 7 p.m. on 98.7 FM.

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