Booker, Green Return to Bolster Suns Ahead of Matchup With 76ers

PHOENIX — The Suns are set to welcome back two of their most important offensive pieces at a pivotal moment in the schedule. For the first time since late January, both Devin Booker and Jalen Green are expected to be available when Phoenix hosts the Philadelphia 76ers.

Head coach Jordan Ott confirmed the update during his pregame media session, offering a measure of relief for a team that has navigated several recent games with a short-handed backcourt. Booker had been sidelined with an ankle sprain, while Green missed time after suffering a hip contusion.

Their return comes after a stretch in which Phoenix absorbed additional setbacks. In Thursday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Suns saw more players pick up injuries, further testing their depth.

With the All-Star break approaching, simply having Booker and Green back on the floor — even in limited roles — could stabilize a lineup that has been forced to rely heavily on role players and makeshift combinations.

1. Backcourt Reinforcements Arrive

Ott indicated that both guards are trending toward active status, though their workloads may be managed carefully. A minutes restriction is expected, at least initially, as the team eases them back into game shape. That cautious approach reflects both the value of the players and the timing of their recoveries. Phoenix has little interest in rushing either guard only to risk a setback so close to the break. At the same time, their presence alone changes the dynamic. Even when they aren’t dominating the ball, Booker and Green draw defensive attention that opens the floor for teammates and simplifies reads across the offense. Without them, the Suns have leaned on players like Dillon Brooks and other rotation pieces to shoulder greater scoring responsibility. While those efforts have helped keep the team competitive, the offense hasn’t looked the same.

2. Offense Gets a Needed Spark

Phoenix’s system thrives on spacing, shot creation and downhill pressure — traits that Booker and Green naturally provide. Both guards can score at multiple levels, attack mismatches and create opportunities for others when defenses collapse. Those skills are difficult to replicate. Their ability to generate their own shots late in possessions or ignite fast breaks often dictates the tempo of a game, something the Suns have occasionally lacked during their absence. The team still managed an 11-5 record in January, a testament to its resilience and depth. But internally, there’s little doubt that the ceiling is higher with both guards available. Beyond their starting roles, each has also shown comfort anchoring bench units. That versatility gives Ott options, whether he staggers their minutes or deploys them together to overwhelm opposing defenses.

3. Rotation Questions and Opportunity Ahead

With Booker and Green trending back, Phoenix must still navigate other injuries. Ott noted that Grayson Allen and Isaiah Livers are expected to remain out until after the All-Star break, thinning the wing rotation. That reality makes the guards’ return even more significant. Their scoring punch can help offset those absences and reduce the burden on younger or less experienced players. The matchup itself could provide a manageable reentry point. Philadelphia arrives short-handed as well, potentially giving the Suns a favorable setting to reintegrate both players without excessive pressure. Still, final clearance depends on pregame evaluations, and the coaching staff will monitor how each responds. Even so, simply having Booker and Green back in uniform signals a step toward stability for a team aiming to solidify its footing in the standings.