Phoenix Suns start homestand without All-Star Devin Booker

Booker was listed as “out” by the team on Friday afternoon, a day after the Suns’ game against the San Antonio Spurs. He exited late in the first half of Phoenix’s 121-94 loss after appearing to favor his right side while driving to the basket.

The All-Star went to the locker room and attempted to play through the discomfort during halftime warmups but did not return to action.

This is the second lower-body issue Booker has dealt with in recent weeks after previously spraining his ankle before the All-Star break. He also battled a groin injury in December, adding to a string of lower-body injuries that have sidelined him this season.

Phoenix came out of the break hoping to regroup after losing three of its final four games beforehand. While Dillon Brooks missed Thursday’s game due to suspension, the Suns otherwise had a relatively clean injury report and much of their depth was available.

Now, they’re down another key contributor.

Without Booker, Phoenix is expected to rely more on its secondary ball handlers and perimeter shooters to compensate. Brooks is set to return after serving his suspension, but the team’s depth will no doubt be tested once again.

The Suns have struggled to consistently produce a clean injury report this season. As one player returns, another often seems to take his place. So far, those setbacks haven’t derailed Phoenix for extended stretches.

However, with the second half of the season underway and playoff positioning more critical than ever, Booker’s absence will test whether the Suns can overcome the mental hurdle of not being fully healthy and truly embrace a next-man-up mentality.

Phoenix begins a four-game homestand against the Orlando Magic on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 3 p.m.