Teams across the Pacific Division are juggling lineup changes as injuries and contract questions shape the week.
Suns navigate absences of Booker and Green
Phoenix is without top scorer Devin Booker, who is sidelined by a right ankle sprain. The three-time All-Star averages 25.4 points and 6.2 assists, production that teammates say simplifies the offense.
“When he’s in the game, it simplifies the way we get open looks,” wing Grayson Allen said. “We still generate good shots without him, but it’s harder to sustain for 48 minutes.”
Guard Jalen Green remains out after right hamstring tightness limited him to four minutes on Friday. The 23-year-old has re-aggravated the hamstring three times since an initial training-camp strain and did not dress against Brooklyn on Tuesday.
“When he’s ready and feels good, he’ll be back,” head coach Jordan Ott said. “He has to learn his body and make sure he’s right.”
Reaves ruled out for Lakers in Cleveland
The Lakers have declared guard Austin Reaves (left calf strain) out for Wednesday’s game at Cleveland. Los Angeles remains optimistic the third-year guard, injured on Christmas, can return during the ongoing eight-game road trip, which includes three more stops after the Cavaliers matchup.
Collins hopes to stay put ahead of deadline
Clippers forward John Collins, playing on an expiring $26.58 million contract, said he would like to remain with the team through the Feb. trade deadline and re-sign this summer.
“I’m hoping things are great,” Collins told EssentiallySports.com. “It feels like we’re doing well. Playing well doesn’t hurt.” The 26-year-old is averaging 15.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in January for the surging Clippers.
Zubac extends double-double streak
Center Ivica Zubac brings a five-game double-double run into Tuesday’s meeting with Utah. His best line during the stretch was 18 points and 19 rebounds in Thursday’s win over the Lakers.
“They went small, and Zu showed his presence as a big man,” head coach Tyronn Lue said. “It was huge for us.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
