The 16-12 Phoenix Suns, stuck in a five-game rut, will face the 17-13 Los Angeles Clippers tonight — and they might have to do it without star guard Devin Booker. Booker has missed the last two games with hamstring tightness and is questionable for this evening’s action. His absence would carry significant consequences for the NBA betting markets, and bettors looking for an edge should heed this advice or check out the OddsShopper tools for sharp NBA bets.
Is Devin Booker Playing on Thursday?
Phoenix’s head coach, Monty Williams, told reporters last Saturday that Booker was day-to-day with his hamstring injury. The star guard was ruled out for Phoenix’s last two games but received a questionable designation ahead of this one.
Monty Williams said Devin Booker has hamstring tightness. Says Booker is day-to-day. #Suns https://t.co/JgVwGwrzu2
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 10, 2022
Booker has dealt with hamstring tightness in the recent past. He missed four playoff games against the New Orleans Pelicans because of that exact issue. He exited Game 2 of Phoenix’s first-round playoff series and only returned nine days later for Game 6. It’s now been seven days since Booker picked up this most recent hamstring issue.
The Suns are currently on a four-game road trip but will return home to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. If Booker’s playoff timeline is any indication, that’s when bettors should expect the 26-year-old superstar to return.
If Devin Booker Sits, Who Benefits?
The Suns have started different players to replace Booker. They started Dario Saric against the Pelicans then pivoted to Landry Shamet against the Rockets. With center Deandre Ayton now questionable with an injury of his own, Shamet will likely draw the start over an additional big man — especially since the Clippers’ lineup isn’t nearly as big as the Pelicans’.
Although Shamet and reserve guard Damion Lee would only become relevant for daily fantasy and prop betting purposes if Booker sits, Mikal Bridges would likely benefit the most if Booker sits. Bridges, who usually takes a back seat on offense, has averaged 23.5 shots per game over his last two appearances. He scored 27 and 18 points, respectively — well above his season average of 15.9.
Suns-Clippers Betting Tip
The sportsbooks aren’t eager to post player prop markets for Thursday’s action. The Suns have a concerning, question-filled injury report, while the Clippers are playing on the wrong end of a back-to-back. That degree of uncertainty makes betting on this game early feel extra risky.
However, bettors should plan to buy the over on Mikal Bridges‘ player props if they open at 16.5. Booker needed more time to recover from hamstring tightness in a playoff series last year, so the superstar is unlikely to get rushed back for a regular-season road game. Bridges should continue hoisting up shots in his stead.
That said, the Clippers are a tough matchup for opposing wings. They have allowed the second-fewest points to shooting guards and the third-fewest to small forwards. While that may not have stopped Devin Booker from scoring 35 points against them earlier in the year, bettors should only target Bridges’ props if the total opens near his season average.
