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Suns' Injury Report: Booker, Payne, Johnson Out vs. Pelicans

Three Key Players Sidelined for Phoenix

The Phoenix Suns will be without three key players when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. Devin Booker (groin), Cameron Payne (foot), and Torrey Craig (ankle) have all been ruled out for the game. Booker is the Suns' leading scorer and has been playing at an All-Star level this season. Payne has been a key contributor off the bench, averaging 12.1 points and 4.5 assists per game. Craig has started 22 games for the Suns this season and is a valuable defender on the wing. The Suns are already without Deandre Ayton, who is serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy. With Booker, Payne, and Craig also out, the Suns will be shorthanded against a Pelicans team that is fighting for a playoff spot.

Suns Hope to Stay Afloat Despite Injuries

Despite the injuries, the Suns are still expected to be competitive against the Pelicans. Chris Paul is still playing at a high level, and Mikal Bridges has emerged as a reliable scoring option. The Suns also have a deep bench, with Dario Saric, Landry Shamet, and Damion Lee all capable of contributing. The Suns are currently 27-26 on the season and are in sixth place in the Western Conference. They are 2.5 games behind the fifth-place Sacramento Kings and 3.5 games behind the fourth-place Los Angeles Clippers. The Suns will need to find a way to win without Booker, Payne, and Craig if they want to stay in the playoff race. They will also need to hope that Booker and Payne can return soon.