Devin

Booker

Booker had a big night individually, but the Suns are now 0-5 without Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant. Both may return as soon as Tuesday night, and while Booker’s numbers may take a hit, the chances of team success increase exponentially. He’s ranked just outside the top 25 in 9-cat formats for the season.

One day removed from dropping 44 points on the Timberwolves, Booker was held in check by a stingy Magic defense on Monday night. That said, this performance has been the norm for Booker during Phoenix’s 1-5 skid, as he scored 18 points or fewer in three of those games. Injuries to Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant haven’t helped, with their absences leaving Booker to shoulder even more of the scoring load. He’ll look to rebound when the Suns host the Knicks on Wednesday.

Booker put on a show during the first half of Sunday’s game, scoring 27 points. But he and the Suns could not hold off the Timberwolves, who won on a Julius Randle 3-pointer as time expired. In scoring a season-high 44 points, Booker hit the 40-point mark for the second time this season. Phoenix plays two games in Week 5, home games against the Magic (Monday) and Knicks (Wednesday).

In a game where the Suns were without Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, Booker surprisingly didn’t step up from a scoring perspective. Booker only attempted 10 shots and none of them were from behind the 3-point line. He only made two shots and had 12 total points in the contest. It was a puzzling performance by Booker, who on other nights has scored 30 points seemingly with ease. He’ll get a chance to bounce back on Sunday against the Timberwolves.

Wednesday’s game was a “schedule loss” for the Suns, who played in Utah the night before. Booker didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, but fantasy managers know he’ll be better. Phoenix continues its road trip through the end of Week 4, beginning with Oklahoma City on Friday.

Having struggled with his shot in Sunday’s overtime loss to the Kings, the Suns’ first game after losing Kevin Durant, Booker got back on track in Salt Lake City. He led all scorers with 31 points, shooting 55% from the field, and he did not commit a turnover. With Durant sidelined for two weeks and Bradley Beal exiting Tuesday’s game with calf tightness, Booker will have added importance to the Suns and fantasy basketball.

Booker’s playmaking abilities were on full display in Sunday’s overtime defeat. He dished out 12 assists while committing just two turnovers. Booker didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, but the field goal percentage wasn’t a “deal breaker.” The Suns begin a four-game Week 4 in Utah on Tuesday, with a visit to Sacramento scheduled for the following night.

Booker didn’t put on his best shot-making performance but thrived as a distributor. He reached double-digits in assists for the first time this season. His shooting percentages are down across the board so far, though.

Added to the injury report Friday afternoon, Booker is good to go for Phoenix’s matchup with the Mavericks. Look for him to take on his usual workload, with Grayson Allen remaining in a reserve role.

Booker is a late addition to the injury report, a concerning development for the Suns and fantasy managers. With Ryan Dunn (ankle) ruled out, Grayson Allen will likely be the next man up if Booker cannot sit.