Phoenix Suns DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic will miss the next three games due to suspension, the league announced on Saturday. The veteran was involved in a physical altercation with Mavericks forwards Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington on Friday night, resulting in all three getting ejected. The Suns have been without Devin Booker (groin), so losing another starter certainly isn't ideal. But while Nurkic is out, Mason Plumlee, who averaged 6.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in seven starts this season, should benefit from a fantastic standpoint.

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen (concussion) will sit out Wednesday's Christmas battle against Denver. He remains in concussion protocol, missing a second consecutive game. With Allen out of commission, Ryan Dunn reached the 30-minute mark for the second time this season on Monday versus the Nuggets. However, he didn't do a lot in the contest, scoring five points and registering four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Royce O'Neale also benefits from Allen's absence, but he's been on a cold stretch lately.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (groin) will not play against Denver on Christmas Day. He exited the lineup last week with a left groin strain and will be absent for a third straight game. Kevin Durant has averaged 33.0 points with Booker out of the lineup, while Bradley Beal's scoring numbers have also received a big boost. The two combined for 46 points in Monday's heavy 117-90 loss to the Nuggets.

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale will shift into the starting five ahead of Saturday's game against the Detroit Pistons. This was the expected move with Devin Booker (groin) unavailable for this game. It was either between O'Neale or Grayson Allen, but head coach Mike Budenholzer has decided to go with the veteran forward. O'Neale has been playing well lately, so a move to the starting five should only boost his fantasy value. Fantasy managers looking for help on Saturday should take a look at O'Neale. His value figures to stay boosted until Booker is able to get back on the court.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (groin) won't play in Saturday's matchup with the Pistons. That has been known. However, the team provided an update to add more salt to the wound, reporting the multi-time All-Star will also miss Monday's game versus the Denver Nuggets. Unfortunately, there could be more absences on the horizon, based on an evaluation that is scheduled for next week. The 28-year-old has averaged 25.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals this season. Even better, he hasn't missed a game after appearing in only 68 during the 2023-24 campaign. But with Booker potentially facing a lengthy layoff due to a groin strain suffered against the Pacers on Thursday night, Kevin Durant should take on more of the scoring duties, with Tyus Jones, Royce O'Neale, and Grayson Allen potentially getting more involvement.