5-5! Both the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks are tied in their win record, when comparing their last 10 matchups. However, the story is a bit different when comparing their records, against other teams, within this season itself. Luka Doncic and co occupy the 4 seed with their 19-11 record, while the Suns lie down on the 8 seed (15-14). After winning the last 2 games against the Mavs, Devin Booker and co may see the upcoming matchup as one that could improve their positioning on the chart. Therefore, they would need to put in their full strength. Unfortunately, it will be hard to do so with the shooting guard himself not being there to assist the team.

According to the Phoenix Suns Injury Report, Devin Booker continues to be ‘OUT’ due to his groin injury. Therefore, the upcoming matchup will mark the 4 consecutive game that he will miss. Feel as if that wasn’t bad enough news? Well, then add the fact that three other Suns players have seen no improvement to their status too. Therefore, Collin Gillespie, Bol Bol, and Grayson Allen will also be ‘OUT’ during the upcoming matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.

During the Phoenix Suns’ matchup against the Indiana Pacers a week ago, Devin Booker left the court during the 2 half, and did not return. It didn’t take long for him to be diagnosed with a left groin tightness. Till that point, the shooting guard had been amongst the most consistent players for the team, having played in all 26 games. Therefore, it would have certainly been saddening when the reports revealed that the groin ailment would cause Booker to miss out on at least two games.

In the aftermath of the Phoenix Suns’ 120-111 loss, Kevin Durant addressed Booker’s injury by stating “It sucks. We hate that injuries can get in the way of beautiful basketball… Like you said, that’s a part of it, but it’s still tough to take.” When asked about an update after two consecutive games had been played without Devin Booker, Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer had stated “There’s nothing really new to update, but, uh, you know, he’s making good progress”. When asked whether Booker will return by Christmas, Budenholzer reportedly became tight-lipped. “I have no update”, is what he said, in response.

Despite playing under a two-way contract, Collin Gillespie still occasionally gets the chance to represent the actual Phoenix Suns squad. However, he has anyways been ‘OUT’ after fracturing his right ankle, during the opening minutes of the Valley Suns G-League opener, Phoenix’s Affiliate, back on November 8. According to reports, Gillespie had told Duane Rankin, of The Arizona Republic, that he hopes to be ready before the New Year. Meanwhile, Bol Bol didn’t make his season debut until a little before Mid-November. However, it didn’t take long for him to get sidelined again. This time, it was because of a bruised knee. Continuing to be ‘OUT’, Bol Bol will miss his 6 consecutive game.

Grayson Allen went into concussion protocol during the recent matchup against the Detroit Pistons. It happened when Simone Fontecchio caught him in the back of his head, with an elbow, on a put back during the third quarter. Allen checked out, and didn’t return to the game. Now, he will miss his 3 consecutive matchup, when the Suns go up against the Dallas Mavericks.

Speaking of the men in blue, the 4 seeding franchise themselves have been dealing with some injury troubles. Unfortunately, a recent update only made the situation worse. A few hours ago, Shams Charania revealed that doctors will not re-evaluate Luka Doncic’s injury again for another month! This update comes in the aftermath of the Christmas Day game, when the Slovenian sustained a non-contact calf ailment. This means that not only for the next game, but even 16 games after that, the Mavericks will have to go ahead without their star player.

On top of that, Dereck Lively II is listed as ‘Questionable’, thanks to his left hip contusion. Dante Exum hasn’t played even a single game this season. He won’t make his season debut against the Suns too, as he continues to recover from his right wrist ailment.

In light of these updates, both teams will have to make adjustments to their starting lineups.

What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Suns-Mavericks game look like?

In Devin Booker’s absence, players like Ryan Dunn and Royce O’Neale can see an increase to their responsibilities. Being the backup power forward to Kevin Durant, Ryan Dunn has made a memorable impression during his ongoing rookie season. In 10 games, and an average playtime of 17.8 minutes, he has averaged 5.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. Therefore, he can certainly assist as Kevin Durant may lead the offensive charge without Devin Booker. RotoWire also reports that Royce O’Neale and Ryan Dunn will step up and cover for Grayson Allen.

In light of this update, the starting lineup for the Phoenix Suns may look something like this:

Similarly, given the updates for the Dallas Mavericks, their starting lineup may look like this:

The Phoenix Suns or the Dallas Mavericks? Who will you be rooting for during the upcoming game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below.