Suns star Devin Booker out vs. Pistons with a right calf strain, latest in string of injuries

Devin Booker was absent from the Phoenix Suns’ game against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday due to an injury.

The Suns’ coach Frank Vogel announced before the game at Little Caesars Arena that Booker couldn’t play because of a right calf strain. An MRI was performed to assess the severity of the strain, but Vogel did not provide a specific timeline for Booker’s return.

Booker has already missed five out of the Suns’ first seven games of the season due to different injuries, starting with his left foot and ankle. He made a comeback on Thursday night during their 132-121 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where he scored 31 points and had 13 assists.

However, Booker experienced soreness in his ankle and calf on Saturday, leading to his absence in the Suns’ 112-100 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. It was after this game that he underwent an MRI.

Booker, who is 27 years old, averaged 27.8 points and 5.5 assists per game last season with the Suns. He dropped 32 points and had eight assists in their season-opening victory against the Golden State Warriors last month, which remains his only other appearance this season.

In addition to Booker, the Suns were also missing Bradley Beal on Sunday due to back spasms. Beal, who was acquired by the Suns in a trade that brought Kevin Durant to the team this summer, has yet to make his debut. The date of his return is still uncertain, but he did participate in a pregame workout on Sunday.

“He looked good and felt good,” Vogel mentioned about Beal, via the AZ Republic. “So he’s getting closer. Still no firm timetable, but definitely getting closer.”

The Suns, who have lost three consecutive games and four out of their first six, will conclude their three-game road trip against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. It’s possible that both Booker and Beal will be able to play in that game. The Suns will then return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.