The Phoenix Suns are heading into their preseason clash against the San Antonio Spurs without two key players . Devin Booker is resting, while Miles Bridges is sidelined with an ankle injury.
A cautious preseason approach for the 2026-27 campaign
The Phoenix Suns are navigating a demanding preseason schedule that prioritizes long-term health over immediate victories. As the team prepares for their matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, the decision to sit key players highlights a broader trend of load management even in exhibition play. for Suns fans, the stakes involve seeing how the roster's depth can sustain the team's competitive edge when the primary stars are unavailable.
Booker’s shooting slump and the decision to rest
Devin Booker is currently sidelined for the Saturday game against the Spurs to allow for much-needed recovery. According to the report, the guard is resting after the Suns completed two road preseason games within a five-day period. This decision comes at a sensitive time for Booker, who has strruggled significantly with his efficiency in recent outings.
The guard's recent statistics are a cause for concern among analysts, as he has shot only 8.3% on three-pointers and 33.3% from the field. In the Suns' recent loss to the Chicago Bulls, Booker managed just 11 points on 3-for-14 shooting, including a particularly difficult 0-for-8 performance from beyond the arc. While head coach Jordan Ott has publicly expressed confidence that Booker will continue to make the right plays and eventually average over 25 points per game, the immediate lack of perimeter threat is a notable hurdle.
Managing the health of newly acquired Miles Bridges
The Suns are also proceeding with caution regarding Miles Bridges, who has been ruled out due to a minor ankle injury. bridges rolled his ankle during the previous game in Phoenix, prompting medical evaluations to ensure the injury was not structural.
The report notes that x-rays for Bridges came back negative, suggesting the injury is not serious. However, the Suns' management is being deliberate with the newly acquired power forward, likely to ensure he is fully integrated and healthy for the regular season. Bridges has become a focal point for the team due to his physicality and his ability to exploit mismatches, making his availability critical for the Suns' tactical setup.
Jordan Ott’s defensive mandate following the Chicago loss
Coach Jordan Ott is shifting the team's focus toward defensive discipline as they face the San Antonio Spurs. this emphasis follows a disappointing first-quarter performance in the Suns' previous game against Chicago, where the team struggled to establish defensive intent.
With multiple starters unavailable,Ott is looking to his depth players to build the necessary habits required for a successful 2026-27 season. The goal is to use this preseason matchup to refine defensive rotations and ensure the bench can maintain intensity without the constant presence of the starting unit.
Will the Suns' bench bridge the scoring gap?
Several questions remain unanswered as the Suns prepare for their next outing . It is unclear how much the scoring output will drop without Booker's presence, or if the bench can replicate his offensive gravity. Furthermore, while Bridges' x-rays were negative, the team has not specified if he will be monitored for swelling in the coming days. Finally, the coaching staff has yet to address whether Booker's recent shooting struggles are a result of the heavy travel schedule or a more systemic issue with his current rhythm.
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