The Phoenix Suns are having an absolutely brutal season. Despite taking down the Orlando Magic 113-110 at the buzzer in a double overtime thriller, the team lost Dillon Brooks early, who left the game with a hand injury midway through the first quarter. Now, with the team already suffering through multiple injuries, things are only getting worse.

“Phoenix Suns guard Dillon Brooks has sustained a broken left hand and will be sidelined,” ESPN insider Shams Charania announced on X. “Doctors will meet to determine a timetable.”

It’s a difficult pill to swallow, especially considering how magical this season has been for both Brooks and the Suns as a whole.

Typical NBA recovery for a broken hand, often a metacarpal fracture, ranges from 4–8 weeks for non-surgical cases to 10–12 weeks or more if surgery is required, per common timelines for similar injuries. While doctors will provide the official timetable, this could sideline Brooks through much of March or beyond, a critical stretch where the Suns aim to solidify their playoff positioning in a razor-thin Western Conference race.

The wing has played the best basketball of his entire career this season, averaging 21.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and a career-high 2.4 made threes, while the Suns have been the biggest surprise of the season, regularly beating solid teams and holding #7 in the Western Conference standings, just two games removed from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Beyond his career-best scoring outburst, Brooks remains one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders – his physicality, on-ball tenacity, and ability to hound opposing wings have been foundational to Phoenix’s improved defensive identity this season.

Losing that grit could expose the Suns’ perimeter defense at a time when matchups against explosive scorers in the West will only intensify.

While this campaign has felt magical, transforming a roster once questioned into a gritty, playoff-contending unit under head coach Jordan Ott’s system, the Suns’ success has been built on resilience amid constant adversity.

Beating quality teams and holding the No. 7 spot is impressive, but the loaded Western Conference (with powerhouses like OKC and rising threats) leaves little margin for prolonged absences.

Apart from his injury, the team is also dealing with star guard Devin Booker, who is missing at least one week with a right hip strain.

Meanwhile, Jalen Green, the high-upside offseason acquisition from the Kevin Durant trade, has been hampered by recurring hamstring issues, limiting him to just a handful of appearances before his recent return near the All-Star break.

His modest output so far reflects ramp-up time, but a fully healthy Green could provide explosive secondary scoring and backcourt pairing potential with Booker, assuming the injury bug finally relents.

Booker‘s absence deprives the team of a reliable secondary scorer and a physical two-way wing, with his ability to space the floor while also attacking mismatches and guarding the other team’s best player, making him more than just the scoring numbers on the stat sheet.

When healthy, Booker and Green can expect increased usage and scoring load, with Grayson Allen getting more time as a floor spacer and catch-and-shoot option. Breakout guard Collin Gillespie is going to see much more time as the lead guard to organize half-court sets as well.

How is the Phoenix Suns’ Depth Going to Hold Up Without Dillon Brooks?

The Phoenix Suns’ roster is built around multiple guards and wings who can slot in depending on the team’s needs, with many able to play interchangeable roles.

Roster flexibility will be key: Royce O’Neale can slide into the starting forward spot for added defensive versatility and reliable three-point shooting, potentially reducing Grayson Allen’s minutes or shifting him to a high-volume catch-and-shoot role off the bench.

Expect increased run for breakout lead guard Collin Gillespie to handle primary ball-handling and half-court organization, while young wings like Ryan Dunn step into tougher perimeter assignments. Small-ball looks, perhaps Booker/Green/Allen/O’Neale/Williams could emerge to maintain spacing and pace.

Right now, the team is depending on solid center Mark Williams, but rookie Khaman Maluach needs much more development before he can be relied upon, and Ighodaro is too small to be a full-time anchor.

However, the biggest problem remains injuries. With Dillon Brooks’ broken hand keeping him out for several weeks at minimum, Phoenix could lose ground, especially if Booker and Green miss any more time.

The roster is still talented, with plenty of two-way potential, but this stretch will reveal if they can actually contend in the Western Conference, and perhaps even surprise a contender early in the playoffs.