Feb 25, 2022; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Suns' Devin Booker (1) dribbles past Pelicans' CJ McCollum (3) on his way to the hoop during the first half at the Footprint Center.

Three-time All-Star Devin Booker is in well being and security protocols, the Suns knowledgeable the media throughout Wednesday’s shootaround earlier than dealing with Portland (25-36) at Footprint Heart.

Booker wasn’t at shootaround.

“We knew this season was going to be loopy simply reason for COVID alone,” Suns backup massive JaVale McGee stated. “Accidents occur. So it is simply one thing that you must undergo. Fortunately, we’re one of the best crew on the planet proper now. A minimum of we’ve got some house for error, just a bit bit.”

The Suns (49-12) have a 6-1/2 recreation lead on the Warriors (43-19) for one of the best report within the West and are up seven on the Grizzlies (43-20), however will at the least be with out Booker for Wednesday’s recreation.

The crew’s main scorer at 25.6 factors a recreation has been taking part in level guard instead of fellow All-Star Chris Paul, who will doubtless miss the remainder of the common season with a fractured proper thumb.

This would be the first recreation this season the Suns will not have Paul and Booker.

Nov 4, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) and guard Devin Booker (1) against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Footprint Center.

“With Chris out, that is 10, 11 assists on the market that must be accrued,” McGee stated. “With Ebook out, that is a variety of factors that have to be accrued. So lots of people are going to have a variety of alternative with each of them out, however we additionally should play sensible.”

At the second, Booker is the one Suns participant in protocols, crew officers stated. Booker practiced Tuesday. He examined optimistic for COVID-19 earlier than the season.