Suns remain shorthanded vs. Raptors, Fred VanVleet questionable
Dec 30, 2022, 2:27 PM | Updated: 4:02 pm
Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles up the court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center on November 07, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns (20-16) will close out the 2022 calendar year against the Raptors in Toronto with four players listed as out on the NBA’s latest injury report.
Guards Devin Booker (left groin straight), Landry Shamet (right Achilles soreness) and Cam Payne (right foot strain), as well as wing Cam Johnson (meniscus tear) will all have to wait until 2023 to make their returns to the hardwood.
For the Raptors (15-20), forward Otto Porter Jr. (foot) remains out, while guard Fred VanVleet (back) and big Precious Achiuwa (ankle) are listed as questionable.
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Booker, who will be re-evaluated in four weeks, last played in Sunday’s 128-125 overtime loss to the Nuggets in Denver, but exited after fewer than five minutes played. This will be his seventh game missed this season.
Shamet stepped up in Booker’s absence in that contest at Ball Arena with 31 points off the bench to tie a career high, including hitting seven threes.
That was also the last time Shamet suited up for the Suns. Friday night in Canada will mark his 12th missed game of the season.
Payne will be missing his ninth contest in a row after exiting the 111-97 loss to the Rockets in Houston on Dec. 13.
Tip-off from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto is set for 5:30 p.m. and will air on ESPN 620 AM / 98.7 FM HD-2, the Arizona Sports app and ArizonaSports.com.
