Suns News Playoff Edition: Week 27 (4/18 - 4/24)

[wpmiller42]

I don't think we should make this our primary lineup or anything, but I wouldn't mind seeing a lineup with Ayton at the 4 and Biyombo at the 5, especially when JV is in for the Pelicans. Maybe give DA a couple more outside looks, give Biyombo a chance to grab boards?

[Indy]

I don't think we should make this our primary lineup or anything, but I wouldn't mind seeing a lineup with Ayton at the 4 and Biyombo at the 5, especially when JV is in for the Pelicans. Maybe give DA a couple more outside looks, give Biyombo a chance to grab boards?

I think if we get behind in the series that is something Monty might try, but I am doubting it would happen before that.

[Indy]

Monty is stubborn and will likely start Shamet at SG like he did in the regular season, with Cam Johnson still coming off the bench.

Maybe, but even during that stretch of 7 games, Shamet didn't even average starter minutes, where CamJ did. So he might not start, but he is going to get over 30 minutes a game and Shamet will probably not hit 25 unless he is cooking.

[Flagrant Fowl]

Some of the bench guys (Shamet, CamX2) had their best stretches of play when Booker or Paul were out, so this isn't unfamiliar to them. They'll be ready mentally, but the most important thing is they actually make shots.

[bajanguy008]

Until I see otherwise I will believe that our guys gonna step up. Suns becoming a favourite and juggernaut recently has been a cool development but the team being doubted is quite familiar territory for me. Seeing some hot takes online about our chances but I not panicking regarding this series

This however is what's haunting me. Obviously he keeps coming back at an elite level and still improving but hamstrings are definitely not an area you want to have constant issues with

[JeremyG]

Until I see otherwise I will believe that our guys gonna step up. Suns becoming a favourite and juggernaut recently has been a cool development but the team being doubted is quite familiar territory for me. Seeing some hot takes online about our chances but I not panicking regarding this series

This however is what's haunting me. Obviously he keeps coming back at an elite level and still improving but hamstrings are definitely not an area you want to have constant issues with

Yeah, I've been thinking about that, too. I mean he's only 25, what's gonna happen when he's 30? This seems like it could shorten his career.

[Split T]

Hamstrings aren’t knees or backs…they heal just fine. He may deal with it a lot, but I don’t see how it would shorten his career. Also, CP3 went through some hamstring issues in his time and his career is going great.

[Flagrant Fowl]

I just remembered hearing how much Booker was looking forward to playing in New Orleans where his family living in Mississippi will more easily be able to attend the games. I think the series will go to at least 6 games now, so hopefully he gets the chance to play in that game.

[bajanguy008]

Yes I maintain that his immediate reaction on the bench was the game itself and missing the games in New Orleans
Don't think he was saying he knows he out the rest of the series or anything but to be continued

[Split T]

Exactly how I feel, time for Ayton to make his money

[Split T]

If Ayton no-shows these two games, regardless of whether we win or not…gonna be hard to convince me he’s worth the max. These are the two biggest games of his career so far to me.

[Uncle_Gene]

ESPN's Woj says "Devin Booker has Grade 1 hamstring strain and is out 2 to 3 weeks."

Damn !!

[Uncle_Gene]

Though I'm crying inside, let's keep the spirits up.

Cam Johnson and Landry Shamet, let's get it.

[Wally_West]

I have really hard time believing Book would miss that long of time in the playoffs but regardless we need to be able to win this series without him. Can’t go down 3-1 after this weekend. His ass would for sure come back for a potential elimination game.

[Indy]

3 weeks is a long time, but fortunately the playoffs are spread out quite a bit.

[Split T]

I don’t believe the 3 week timeline at all…Booker played through a hamstring injury in the finals. He’ll play if we need him. My guess is he sits until we are on the brink of elimination. We lose these two in NOP and he’ll probably play game 5. If we win these 2, he probably sits out the series unless it goes 7.

[iLLmatic]

Time for shamet, Payne, and Cam Johnson to step up.

[bajanguy008]

Yikes
Basically just woke up and now seeing the Book update. Guys have to respond, they just have to....
I refuse to believe our season gonna end so prematurely

[bajanguy008]

I don’t believe the 3 week timeline at all…Booker played through a hamstring injury in the finals. He’ll play if we need him. My guess is he sits until we are on the brink of elimination. We lose these two in NOP and he’ll probably play game 5. If we win these 2, he probably sits out the series unless it goes 7.

I think so too but I rather that scenario not come into play
Pelicans been more formidable second half of the season which isn't breaking news but we haven't played well and they've had outlier performances from 3 and more importantly fast break points which is one we can control.
It's an effort thing as much as an X's and O's right now and we not gonna continue to get outworked

[Split T]

Let’s just win game 3 and go from there. Even without Booker we are a better team.