Devin Booker progressing toward early return from injury

The Phoenix Suns could get their star guard back a bit sooner than expected.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Devin Booker is progressing toward a return and could take the floor again as soon as the Suns’ Game 6 matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans in the opening round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, which is scheduled for Thursday night. The 25-year-old three-time All-Star strained his hamstring during Game 2 of the series on April 19 and was initially ruled out for two to three weeks.

But now, Wojnarowski’s report from Wednesday states that Booker has made “significant progress” with his right hamstring and could return in either Game 6 or Game 7 (if the series goes that far) on a minute restriction. Booker is expected to be ruled as “out” for Thursday, but that could very well change as we inch closer to tipoff.

The Suns currently lead the series against the Pelicans 3-2.

ESPN Sources: Phoenix Suns All-Star G Devin Booker (hamstring strain) is progressing toward a return soon, including the possibility as soon as Game 6 or Game 7 of this playoff series vs. New Orleans. He’s expected to be initially listed as out for Thursday’s Game 6.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 27, 2022

Since Booker’s injury in Game 2 (which the Suns lost and allowed the Pelicans to tie the series 1-1), Phoenix has gone 2-1 and now holds a critical 3-2 advantage. The series shifts back to New Orleans for Game 6 on Thursday and will head back to Phoenix for Game 7 on Saturday if necessary.

Booker averaged 26.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists across 68 games for the Suns this season. He’s expected to earn his first All-NBA selection this season, possibly as a First-Team member. The seventh-year veteran, alongside Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul, led Phoenix to an NBA-best 64-18 record this year and the top overall seed in the Playoffs.