Devin Booker, Chris Paul among Suns starters out vs. Clippers

The Phoenix Suns starting lineup is going to look awfully different when the team takes the court Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Guard Devin Booker (low back soreness), point guard Chris Paul (right thumb injury management), forward Jae Crowder (right ankle soreness) and center Deandre Ayton (right ankle soreness) are all listed as out for Phoenix’s third to last matchup of the regular season. Mikal Bridges is the only regular starter available and has played 306 straight games since he entered the NBA in 2018.

Phoenix is coming off a 121-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, eliminating LeBron James and Co. from playoff contention in the process.

Booker, who has received high praise from multiple players and media outlets of late, is averaging 26.7 points, five rebounds and 4.9 assists over 34.3 minutes per game. He’s shooting 46.5% from the field and 38.3% from 3-point land.

Entering play Wednesday, Booker has the fourth best odds to take home the NBA MVP, per Fan Duel Sportsbook.

Paul misses the matchup after playing the past six games since a right thumb avulsion fracture sidelined the guard for 15 consecutive contests. Over his past six outings, Paul averaged 12.7 points, 11.2 assists and three rebounds in 30.9 minutes per game.

It marks the second time in three games Booker, Crowder and Ayton won’t dress.

With the four Suns sidelined, Phoenix will likely lean on Cameron Payne, Cameron Johnson, Landry Shamet, Torrey Craig and JaVale McGee.

As for the Clippers, wing Norman Powell is set to make his return Wednesday night against Phoenix. Powell, who is averaging 18.8 points and 3.3 rebounds, hasn’t played since Feb. 10.

The Suns tip off against the Clippers on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. Tune to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station for all the action.

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