Suns Injury Update: though we have exciting news About Devin Booker, Recently more players are down with major injuries, their active participation is uncertain

The Phoenix Suns will take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday in their last preseason matchup ahead of the regular season. With only eight days until the season starts, some players are still not ready to play. On a positive note, Devin Booker, who has missed the last two preseason games due to ankle soreness, is reportedly cleared to participate. However, it remains uncertain if he will play in this final preseason game. As for Jusuf Nurkic and Grayson Allen, Mike Budenholzer mentioned that while Devin Booker is good to go, Nurkic and Allen have yet to engage in any contact practice, indicating they still have some recovery ahead of them.

Nurkic, who looked noticeably lean during Suns Media Day, has yet to play in the preseason. This is disappointing for fans eager to see how he fits into Mike Budenholzer’s system. The Suns are focusing on increasing their three-point attempts, and with Nurkic having shot only 24.4% from long range last season, some game experience could have helped him improve that aspect of his game. The expectation is for him to increase his attempts; just two seasons ago with the Portland Trail Blazers, he averaged 2.3 three-point attempts per game and made 36.1% of them. His absence from the court could be a concern as the season nears, especially since he hasn’t had the chance to build chemistry with his teammates in this new system. Meanwhile, Grayson Allen is recovering from an Achilles injury, which should not be rushed.

Details about the injury are not fully disclosed, but Budenholzer has noted that Allen is on his way to recovery. As for Okogie, Suns coach Mike Budenholzer mentioned that Nurkic (finger) and Allen (Achilles) haven’t participated in basketball activities, and Josh Okogie (hamstring) was also absent from practice today. Budenholzer specifically pointed out that Nurkic hasn’t engaged in any contact work and is focusing on his conditioning.

Josh Okogie sat out the Suns’ last game after leaving early in their second matchup against the Pistons due to a hamstring injury. While there’s no set timeline for any players’ returns, the season starts in just eight days, and every game is crucial. The team will begin the season on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers, which will be the first official game at the new Intuit Dome. In the meantime, we’re hoping for a swift recovery for both Nurkic and Grayson Allen.