DETROIT – The injury bug has bitten again as the Phoenix Suns might be without their star SG, as Devin Booker’s injury now has him listed as questionable for their next game against the Detroit Pistons. (Credit: Kellan Olson | Arizona Sports)

When Devin Booker landed awkwardly on his ankle against Miami, the play lasted seconds. The consequences could stretch far longer. Booker is now listed as questionable against the Detroit Pistons, the No. 1 team in the Eastern Conference, and that designation matters beyond one box score. Phoenix is already short-handed, down Jalen Green and Jamaree Bouyea, leaving the Suns with a thin margin for error against a disciplined and physical Detroit team that thrives on forcing opponents into uncomfortable decisions.

Jan 13, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket against Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) and forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the third quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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What Devin Booker’s injury means for the Suns going forward:

This isn’t just about whether Booker plays. It’s about what the Suns look like if he can’t. Phoenix’s offensive efficiency drops sharply when Booker isn’t on the floor. That places real pressure on Dillon Brooks to generate downhill offense, on Grayson Allen to stretch the floor consistently, and on Collin Gillespie to manage tempo without overreaching.

For Phoenix fans, the anxiety is layered. There’s the immediate concern that the Suns might not be able to contend in a matchup against the East’s best without their face of the franchise. But there’s also the psychological weight of sustainability. Championship-level teams don’t just survive injuries; they define themselves during them. Detroit offers the perfect measuring stick. They’re physical, methodical, and unforgiving against teams that lack cohesion. If Phoenix competes, even without Booker, it validates the front office’s belief in this roster’s flexibility. If not, it exposes how fragile the system becomes when injuries affect the bigger piece of the puzzle.

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Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen