Suns Stars Booker, Green Questionable for Thunder Clash

Lingering injuries raise concerns as Phoenix faces OKC's own injury woes

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:36am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with players and the court broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color, conveying the intensity and uncertainty of the upcoming Suns-Thunder matchup.As the Suns and Thunder prepare to face off, the question remains: will Phoenix's injured stars take the court, or will the team prioritize their long-term health?Oklahoma City Today

Phoenix Suns guards Devin Booker and Jalen Green are both listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to ongoing injury management issues. Booker is dealing with a right ankle injury, while Green is working through a persistent right hamstring problem, raising questions about whether the Suns should prioritize their stars' long-term health over a regular-season win.

Why it matters

The Suns' backcourt depth has already been tested this season, with Grayson Allen, Isaiah Livers, and Cole Anthony all sidelined. Losing Booker and Green would be a significant blow as Phoenix looks to maintain momentum in the Western Conference playoff race. Meanwhile, the Thunder are also dealing with their own injury issues, creating an opportunity for one team to capitalize on the other's absences.

The details

Booker has been a consistent performer when healthy, averaging 25.2 points, 4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game this season. However, he has already missed seven games earlier this year due to the ankle injury. Green, on the other hand, has only managed to play in seven games total due to his hamstring troubles, and has admitted to feeling hesitant on the court since returning.

  • Booker has missed seven games earlier this season due to the right ankle injury.
  • Green has only played in seven games total this year due to his persistent right hamstring issue.

The players

Devin Booker

A star guard for the Phoenix Suns who has been dealing with a right ankle injury, causing him to miss multiple games this season.

Jalen Green

A young guard for the Phoenix Suns who has been sidelined for much of the season due to a lingering right hamstring problem, and has expressed feeling hesitant on the court since returning.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is currently out with an abdominal strain.

Ajay Mitchell

A player for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is also out with an abdominal strain.

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What they’re saying

“I feel myself being a little cautious with certain drives that I could have attempted.”

— Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns Guard

What’s next

The Suns and Thunder will face off on Wednesday, with both teams dealing with key injury concerns. The status of Booker and Green will be closely monitored in the lead-up to the game, as the Suns must weigh the risks of playing their stars against the potential rewards of a regular-season win.

The takeaway

This game highlights the delicate balance NBA teams must strike between managing player health and maintaining competitive momentum. The Suns' backcourt depth has already been tested, and losing Booker and Green would be a significant blow. However, prioritizing their long-term recovery may be the prudent choice, even if it comes at the expense of a regular-season victory.