The Phoenix Suns visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night at Moda Center, with both teams entering the matchup shorthanded due to key injuries that could affect rotations and pace. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET as Phoenix looks to maintain its position near the top of the Western Conference standings.
Phoenix will be without leading scorer Devin Booker, who is out with a right ankle sprain, removing a 25.7-point-per-game creator from the backcourt. The absence of the 29-year-old guard shifts more offensive responsibility to Dillon Brooks, who averages 21.1 points, and Grayson Allen, a 16.4-point scorer who provides spacing with 3.2 made threes per game.
Jalen Green is listed as questionable due to right hamstring injury management and a left hip contusion.
Portland’s injury report is longer, starting with Damian Lillard, who remains out due to left Achilles injury management. Scoot Henderson is doubtful with a left hamstring tear, while Deni Avdija, the team’s leading scorer at 25.5 points per game, is doubtful with a low back strain.
Jrue Holiday is questionable for personal reasons, while Kris Murray and Matisse Thybulle are also ruled out. With several perimeter defenders unavailable, the Trail Blazers could rely heavily on Shaedon Sharpe, who averages 21.9 points, and Jerami Grant, an 18.6-point scorer, to generate offense.
The Suns won the previous meeting between the teams this season and enter Tuesday’s game with a 30-20 record, while Portland sits 23-27 and remains in the play-in race.
