Booker Out at Least a Week with Sprained Right Ankle in Loss to Hawks

Devin Booker Sustains Ankle Injury; Suns Face Road Ahead

phoenix, Arizona – January 26, 2026 – A notable blow to the phoenix Suns as All-Star guard devin Booker suffered a right ankle sprain during Friday night’s contest against the Atlanta Hawks. The injury casts a shadow over the team’s performance and postseason aspirations.

Injury Details and Recovery Timeline

Booker went down with just five seconds remaining in the third quarter after an unfortunate collision with Hawks’ center Onyeka Okongwu. The Suns have confirmed that Booker will be sidelined for at least one week and will undergo a reassessment to determine the full extent of the damage and a more precise return timeline.

This isn’t the first injury setback for the Suns this season. Guard Jalen Green also sustained a hamstring re-injury in the same game against atlanta, adding to the team’s health concerns. while Green appears to have avoided a long-term issue, his status is currently under evaluation.

Booker’s Impact on the Suns

Booker currently leads the Phoenix Suns in both scoring and playmaking, averaging 25.4 points and 6.2 assists per game. His absence will undoubtedly be felt on the court, requiring other players to step up and fill the void. The Suns will need to rely on their depth and team chemistry to navigate this challenging period.

Ankle Sprains in Basketball: A Common Occurrence

Ankle sprains are unfortunately prevalent in basketball, a high-impact sport involving rapid changes in direction and frequent jumping. According to data from the National Institutes of Health, ankle sprains account for approximately 31% of all basketball injuries. proper conditioning, ankle support, and preventative exercises can help reduce the risk, but the dynamic nature of the game often leads to these types of injuries.

Player	Injury	Status
Devin Booker	Right Ankle Sprain	Out at least one week, re-evaluation scheduled
Jalen Green	Right Hamstring Re-Injury	Status under evaluation

Looking Ahead for Phoenix

The Suns face a challenging stretch of games without their star player.Consistency will be key as they aim to remain competitive in the Western Conference standings. The team’s ability to adapt and rally around each other will be crucial during this period of adversity.

The injury also raises questions about the team’s postseason prospects. A healthy Booker is essential for any deep playoff run, and his extended absence could substantially impact their chances of success.

do you think the Suns can remain competitive during Booker’s absence? how important is team depth in overcoming injuries like these?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this story with fellow basketball fans!

How long will Devin Booker miss games due to his ankle sprain?

Booker Out At Least a Week with Sprained Right ankle in Loss to Hawks

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is expected to miss at least teh next week after suffering a sprained right ankle during Thursday night’s 118-112 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The injury occurred in the third quarter, forcing Booker to exit the game and immediately receive attention from team medical staff. Initial assessments confirmed the sprain, with further testing conducted to rule out any more serious damage.

injury Details & Game Recap

Booker landed awkwardly after attempting a drive to the basket,immediately clutching his right ankle. He finished the game with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists before being sidelined. the Suns struggled to maintain their momentum without their star player, ultimately falling to the Hawks despite a strong performance from Kevin Durant.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key moments:

* Third Quarter Incident: The injury occurred with approximately 6:30 remaining in the third quarter.

* Immediate Impact: Booker’s absence visibly impacted the Suns’ offensive flow.

* Hawks’ Surge: Atlanta capitalized on the chance, going on a important run after Booker’s departure.

* Final Score: Hawks 118, Suns 112.

Severity of the Sprain & Recovery Timeline

While the Suns have officially announced a “at least a week” timeline, the severity of ankle sprains can vary. Medical professionals categorize sprains into three grades:

1. Grade 1 (Mild): Slight stretching and microscopic tearing of the ligaments. Recovery typically takes a few days to a week.
2. Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial tearing of the ligament. Recovery can range from 2-6 weeks.
3. Grade 3 (Severe): Complete tear of the ligament. Often requires a longer recovery period, perhaps involving immobilization or even surgery.

The Suns have not yet specified the grade of Booker’s sprain, but the “at least a week” designation suggests it’s likely a Grade 1 or low-end Grade 2. Fans and analysts are closely monitoring updates, as a more severe sprain could considerably impact the Suns’ playoff chances.

Impact on the Phoenix Suns’ Playoff Push

Booker’s injury comes at a critical juncture for the Suns, who are currently battling for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. He is a key component of their offensive system, averaging 27.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game this season.

* Increased Pressure on Durant & Beal: Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal will need to shoulder a heavier scoring load in Booker’s absence.

* Role Player Opportunities: Players like Grayson Allen and Eric Gordon will likely see increased playing time and opportunities to contribute.

* Strategic Adjustments: Head coach Frank Vogel may need to adjust the team’s offensive and defensive strategies to compensate for Booker’s absence.

* Western Conference Standings: The Suns currently hold the 6th seed in the West. Losing Booker could jeopardize their position and potentially force them into the play-in tournament.

Past Context: Booker’s Injury History

Devin Booker has had a history of minor injuries throughout his career, but has generally been durable. He missed significant time in the 2021-22 season due to a hamstring strain. This latest ankle sprain raises concerns about his long-term health and the Suns’ ability to keep their star player on the court. Analyzing past injury patterns can help the team’s medical staff develop preventative measures and optimize Booker’s recovery process.

What This Means for Fantasy Basketball Players

For fantasy basketball owners, Booker’s injury is a significant blow. He’s consistently been a top-25 fantasy player this season.

* Waiver Wire Targets: Players like Grayson Allen, Eric Gordon, and potentially even Nassir Little could see increased value and be worth adding from the waiver wire.

* Trade Considerations: If you own Booker, consider exploring trade options to acquire depth at other positions.

* Monitor Updates: Stay informed about Booker’s recovery progress to make informed decisions about your fantasy roster.

Microsoft Outage Update (January 26, 2026)

As a quick note, many users experienced issues with Microsoft 365 services earlier this week, with reports peaking on January 22nd and lingering into January 23rd. While the major outage has been resolved,a small number of users are still reporting intermittent problems. This impacted dialog and access to data for some teams, but is now largely resolved. (Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2026/01/22/microsoft-outage-service-down/88305485007/)