The Phoenix Suns can’t stay healthy. At this point, it’s a game of musical chairs, with one member of the Big Three always seeming to be standing while two seats are occupied. Kevin Durant missed 10 games. Bradley Beal also missed 10. And Devin Booker? Well, he played in the Suns’ first 26 games, but unfortunately it’s his turn to sit on the sidelines.

Merry Christmas.

Devin Booker left in the third quarter of the Suns’ loss to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday with a groin strain, although no specific game play seemed to indicate the injury. Phoenix had just welcomed Bradley Beal back into the lineup after he was sidelined with knee swelling.

It’s not the first time the holidays have raised concerns about Devin Booker’s health. Almost two years ago, Booker suffered a groin injury that sidelined him for three games. He returned to face the Denver Nuggets on Christmas Day 2022, but was injured again, ultimately costing him the next 21 games of the season.

It’s ironic that the Suns will face the Denver Nuggets again this Christmas.

It’s another frustrating chapter in the Suns’ 2024-25 season, with the NBA’s highest-paid roster playing uninspired basketball with 14-12 players, particularly on defense. Maybe it’s hard to find motivation when at least $50 million in payroll is constantly falling by the wayside.

Gone are the carefree days of silly three-point celebrations and pregame dances. Instead, Suns fans will have to watch opposing teams impose their will and have fun at Phoenix’s expense.

As we wait for updates on the severity of Devin Booker’s soft tissue injury, we have a feeling there could be another big lump in the Suns’ Christmas stocking this holiday season.