Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder (Image via Imagn) Devin Booker will not be available when the Phoenix Suns take on the Detroit Pistons on January 15, 2026. The Suns officially ruled out their franchise guard due to a left ankle sprain sustained two nights earlier against Miami.The situation stayed unclear until the last moment. Booker took part in a light shootaround, which raised some hope he might play. Phoenix ultimately chose to sit him, deciding not to risk the ankle and focus on keeping him healthy during a tough road trip.
Why is Devin Booker Ruled Out vs Detroit Pistons (January 15, 2026)
Devin Booker injured his left ankle late in the third quarter of Phoenix’s January 13 loss to the Miami Heat. He briefly left the floor and went to the locker room but returned noticeably compromised. Despite the discomfort, Booker powered through the fourth quarter and scored 24 points, leaning heavily on shot-making rather than movement.Following the game, he was listed as questionable. Booker tested the ankle during Thursday morning shootaround, offering a brief tease that he might play. Shortly after, the Suns shut him down for the night.Head coach Jordan Ott praised Booker’s toughness after the Miami game, but the organization ultimately chose rest over heroics.
How the Phoenix Suns Change Without Booker
Phoenix Suns is now 1-2 in games Booker has missed this season. Those losses have been lopsided, including a 19-point defeat to Houston and a 49-point blowout against Oklahoma City. Removing Devin Booker from the lineup strips the Suns of 25.2 points, 6.5 assists, and a 29.7 percent usage rate.The impact shows up clearly in the numbers. Phoenix’s net rating drops by 6.9 points per 100 possessions without him on the floor, and offensive possessions become more rushed and less efficient.Grayson Allen is expected to step into the starting lineup. Dillon Brooks, who is listed as probable despite dealing with an illness, is projected to take on a massive offensive role, with his usage rate climbing to 37.9 percent as the primary scoring option.
Detroit’s Advantage at Home
The Detroit Pistons enter the game atop the Eastern Conference and boast the NBA’s second-ranked defense. Detroit has consistently punished short-handed opponents, and oddsmakers moved quickly after Booker was ruled out.Phoenix opened as a 6.5-point underdog, a line that reflects both Booker’s absence and the Suns’ ongoing road struggles. Detroit’s structured, physical defense is well-positioned to exploit a Phoenix offense missing its main stabilizer.
Suns vs Pistons Fantasy and Game-Day Outlook
From a fantasy perspective, Booker should be removed from all lineups. Allen and Brooks offer salary-based upside, but expectations should be tempered against Detroit’s defensive efficiency.Also read: Phoenix Suns vs Detroit Pistons injury report: Injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (January 15, 2026)Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET at Little Caesars Arena. For Phoenix, this matchup becomes a test of depth and composure. For Detroit, it is another opportunity to assert control against a weakened opponent.