On April 22, Beijing time, ESPN famous reporter Wenhorst reported that the source revealed that Sun star Devin Booker suffered a first-degree strain on his right hamstring, after the Suns officially said that Booker's hamstring was slightly strained and did not announce the level. Based on the average recovery time for league players from a first-degree hamstring strain, Booker could need a 2-3 week break. If he had rested for so long, it would have been difficult to come back in the first round against the Pelicans.
Pelicans coach Willie Green was an assistant coach for the Suns last season, so he knows Booker played with a hamstring injury in last year's Finals. According to sources, Green reminded the Pelicans players to be prepared for Booker's return to the court soon.
Previously, ESPN star Wonarowski has reported that Booker is likely to miss the G3 and G4 matches, and the Sun is still evaluating him and the NMR test results, and has not given a clear return schedule.
Medical expert Evan Jeffries said That Booker's injury may be related to playing time. Booker played just five games in total over 40 minutes during the regular season, while he played 41 minutes in G1. When players don't adapt to more playing time, more injuries occur. ”
Booker excelled in the first half of G2, dropping 31 points and seven three-pointers, but with 4:45 left in the third quarter, Booker strained his hamstring while returning to defend Against Hayes. He immediately requested a timeout, then returned to the dressing room for inspection, and then returned to the bench but did not play again. Soon, the Suns officially announced that Booker had a hamstring injury and would not continue to play in this game. The Pelicans beat the Suns 125-114 to take the G2 victory.
Hamstring was Booker's old problem. Over the past two seasons, Booker has suffered several hamstring injuries. Last November, he strained his left hamstring in a match and missed seven games. He injured a hamstring in game three during the NBA Finals last year, but he solved the problem and kept it a secret at the time. During the 2020-21 regular season, he also missed four games with a left hamstring injury.