Suns vs Blazers: Booker Out, Green Questionable in Key Clash
As the NBA season heats up ahead of the All-Star break, the Phoenix Suns are gearing up for a crucial Western Conference battle against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 3, 2026, at the Moda Center. With star guard Devin Booker ruled out due to a lingering ankle injury and Jalen Green listed as questionable with a hip contusion, the Suns face an uphill challenge to maintain their seventh-place standing in the West. This matchup comes at a pivotal time for Phoenix, who sit at 30-20, while the Blazers, mired in a five-game losing streak, hover at 10th with a 23-27 record.
Suns Injury Report: Booker Sidelined, Green in Limbo
The biggest blow for Suns fans is the absence of All-Star Devin Booker, who has been a cornerstone of Phoenix's offensive firepower this season. Booker suffered a right ankle sprain on January 23 during a road trip finale against the Atlanta Hawks, missing the entire subsequent five-game homestand. Suns head coach Jordan Ott provided an optimistic update following the team's 117-93 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, noting that Booker is 'making tremendous progress' and has been on the court multiple times.
'He's trending in a good spot,' Ott said, emphasizing Booker's rapid recovery. A re-evaluation over the weekend confirmed his continued improvement, with the guard 'skipping steps' in his rehab process. Despite the positive trajectory, Booker will sit out Tuesday's game to ensure full readiness for the Suns' grueling four-game road swing that follows against Golden State, Philadelphia, Dallas, and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Adding to Phoenix's concerns is the status of Jalen Green, the dynamic wing who joined the Suns in an offseason trade from the Houston Rockets. Green, who has only played five games in his debut Phoenix season after appearing in every contest during his Rocket tenure, is dealing with a left hip contusion sustained in a hard fall during the January 30 victory over Cleveland. This injury came on the heels of three games missed for right hamstring management.
Ott clarified that Green's hamstring is no longer an issue, but the hip soreness has left him stiff and sidelined for the Clippers game. 'Everything was good until that fall,' the coach explained. Green managed 11 points in 16 minutes against the Cavaliers but was held out of the fourth quarter. By Sunday, he showed significant improvement, but his questionable tag means fans will be watching closely for a pre-game decision. In a season where depth has been tested, Green's potential return could provide a much-needed spark against Portland's depleted backcourt.
Trail Blazers' Struggles: Multiple Injuries Compound Losing Skid
The Portland Trail Blazers enter this contest on a discouraging note, having dropped their last five games and clinging to the 10th spot in the Western Conference playoff race. Their injury list is even more daunting than Phoenix's, with several key players sidelined or doubtful, potentially handing the Suns an advantage despite their own absences.
Forward Kris Murray is out with a lumbar strain, while veteran defender Matisse Thybulle sits due to right knee tendinopathy. All-Star forward Deni Avdija, a recent addition to the Blazers' roster, is listed as doubtful with a low back strain, and young guard Scoot Henderson remains doubtful after tearing his left hamstring earlier in the season. Adding intrigue is point guard Jrue Holiday, questionable for personal reasons, whose leadership could be missed if he can't suit up.
Portland's skid has exposed defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent scoring, averaging just 102 points per game over their last five outings. Without these rotation players, the Blazers will lean heavily on their core, including Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant, to mount a challenge. However, facing a Suns team motivated to bounce back from the Clippers defeat, Portland's chances look slim unless they can capitalize on Phoenix's missing stars.
Team Analysis and Stakes: Playoff Implications on the Line
For the Suns, this game is more than just a win—it's a test of resilience amid injuries. Phoenix has been one of the West's surprise stories this year, blending veteran savvy with youthful energy from acquisitions like Green. Their 30-20 record reflects a balanced attack, with Booker averaging 27.5 points before his injury and the team ranking top-10 in three-point shooting. The upcoming road trip looms large, as the Suns aim to solidify their top-seven position before the All-Star break provides a much-needed reset.
Ott's squad skipped practice on their travel day to the Pacific Northwest, focusing on rest and recovery. If Green plays, expect him to see increased minutes, potentially exploiting Portland's thin wing defense. The Clippers loss highlighted turnover issues (18 in that game), so ball security will be paramount against a Blazers team desperate for a momentum swing.
On the flip side, Portland's youth movement has shown flashes but lacks the experience to navigate extended slumps. Their home crowd at Moda Center could provide a boost, but with so many injuries, coach Chauncey Billups may turn to G-League call-ups or expanded roles for bench players. The Blazers' 10th-place perch keeps them in the play-in conversation, but another loss could widen the gap to the teams above.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Suns Frontcourt vs Blazers Bigs: Without Booker, Bradley Beal steps up as the primary scorer. Phoenix's frontcourt, led by Kevin Durant, should dominate a shorthanded Portland interior.
- Green's Potential Impact: If cleared, Green's athleticism could overwhelm Thybulle's replacement, creating transition opportunities.
- Phoenix Bench Depth: Role players like Grayson Allen and Eric Gordon must step up to cover for the injured stars.
Broadcast and Viewing Details
Fans in Australia can catch the action live on NBA League Pass or local sports networks, with tip-off at 11 a.m. AEDT on February 4 (due to time zone differences). For Suns supporters Down Under, this early-morning tilt is a prime chance to see if Phoenix can navigate their injury hurdles.
In a league where health often dictates success, Tuesday's Suns-Blazers clash underscores the NBA's unpredictability. Phoenix's ability to adapt could keep their championship aspirations alive, while Portland searches for answers in a rebuilding phase. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for post-game analysis and more NBA coverage.
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