Basketball fans, brace yourselves for a major shake-up in the upcoming Suns-Warriors clash on Amazon Prime Video! Two of the league’s most electrifying stars, Devin Booker and Stephen Curry, are officially out of the game, leaving fans wondering how their absence will reshape the matchup. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Jalen Green is listed as questionable, adding another layer of uncertainty to this already unpredictable showdown.
Devin Booker’s absence extends to seven consecutive games due to a nagging right ankle sprain he sustained during a tough loss to the Atlanta Hawks on January 23. His last performance was nothing short of stellar, dropping 31 points on 12-of-21 shooting—a reminder of what the Suns will be missing. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry will sit out his second straight game with a right knee injury, a significant blow to the Warriors. Curry’s averages of 27.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game highlight just how much his presence is felt on the court.
And this is the part most people miss: In the last three meetings between Phoenix and Golden State, the Suns managed to hold Curry under 50% shooting in all three games, going 2-1 in those matchups. Without Curry, will the Warriors struggle to find their rhythm, or will someone step up to fill the void? It’s a question that could spark heated debates among fans.
Jalen Green’s status is equally concerning. The young guard, who has battled injuries throughout the season, is questionable due to right hamstring management and a left hip contusion. After a hard fall against the Cleveland Cavaliers last Friday, Green has missed three straight games, bringing his total appearances this season to just five out of 51. When healthy, he’s shown promise, averaging 11.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 43.5% shooting.
Here’s a controversial take: With Booker and Curry out, could this be an opportunity for role players to shine, or will the absence of star power make for a less exciting game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
The injury report doesn’t stop there. For the Warriors, Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation) and Jonathan Kuminga (left knee bone bruise) are also sidelined. Seth, who briefly played for the Suns in the 2014-15 season, is expected to be reevaluated in two weeks, while Kuminga will miss his sixth consecutive game, having appeared in only 20 games this season due to recurring knee and ankle issues. L.J. Cryer, an undrafted rookie, is questionable with a left hamstring injury, though his limited playing time (eight minutes in three January games) means his absence may not be as impactful.
Adding to the Suns’ woes, Jimmy Butler remains out after tearing his right ACL on January 20. Acquired in a blockbuster trade last season, Butler averaged 20 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 38 games, making his absence a significant long-term concern for Phoenix.
As the Suns and Warriors prepare to face off without their biggest stars, one thing is certain: this game will be a test of depth and resilience. Will the Suns capitalize on Curry’s absence, or will the Warriors find a way to rally? Tune in at 8 p.m. on 98.7 or the Arizona Sports app to find out. And don’t forget to follow @pwmoses11 for live updates and insights. This is one game you won’t want to miss—even if the stars aren’t aligned.
