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Suns face hurdles ahead of Lakers clash
Phoenix, Arizona, USASaturday, April 11, 2026
# **NBA Injury Update: Suns & Lakers Make Strategic Rest Decisions**
## **Phoenix Suns Rest Devin Booker Amid Playoff Push**
Phoenix Suns superstar **Devin Booker** will sit out tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers on **April 10**, opting for rest after a grueling 37-point performance in a hard-fought win over the Dallas Mavericks. The Suns, now locked into the **7th seed**, are managing load carefully as the postseason nears.
Other Suns players sidelined include:
- **Jalen Green** (right knee soreness) – Struggled in the first half vs. Denver before warming up at halftime but failed to return.
- **Jordan Goodwin** (left ankle) – Missed significant time in Houston and continues to battle injuries.
- **Haywood Highsmith** – Also ruled out indefinitely.
On a brighter note, **Mark Williams** and **Grayson Allen** have returned from injury, though they weren’t even listed as questionable.
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## **Los Angeles Lakers Battle Mounting Injuries**
The Lakers, already assured of playoff positioning, are dealing with a litany of injuries:
- Luka Dončić (hamstring) & Austin Reaves (oblique) – Out for the season.
- Jaxson Hayes & Marcus Smart – Also sidelined.
Their next game is a tough back-to-back against Golden State on April 9, where they’ll already be shorthanded.
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Play-In Tournament Looms for Both Teams
With the season winding down, strategic decisions take center stage:
Phoenix Suns (7th Seed)
- Face either the Clippers or Trail Blazers in the play-in tournament on April 14.
- Winner claims the 7th playoff spot.
- Loser gets a second chance on April 17 to fight for the 8th seed.
Golden State Warriors (10th Seed)
- Just one win away from play-in contention.
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Final Thoughts: Tough End to the Regular Season
Both teams are balancing player health and playoff positioning as injuries pile up. The Suns are playing it safe with Booker, while the Lakers juggle a lengthy injured list. As the regular season closes, these final games could shape the postseason landscape.
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