Suns’ Haywood Highsmith Returns, Booker Back vs. Kings: Starting Lineup & Injury Updates

Haywood Highsmith is expected to craft his Phoenix Suns debut tonight against the Sacramento Kings, marking a significant addition to the team’s roster after a lengthy recovery from a knee injury. The 6-foot-5 forward underwent surgery on his right knee in August 2025, initially leading to concerns about his availability for the current season.

The Suns acquired Highsmith as a post-trade deadline addition, hoping to bolster their power forward position ahead of the postseason. Whereas initially considered a potential trade candidate, Phoenix secured his services after he was released by the Brooklyn Nets, beating out other playoff-contending teams, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Prior to his time with the Nets, Highsmith spent four seasons with the Miami Heat, where he developed a reputation as a tenacious defender.

Highsmith’s return comes at a crucial time for the Suns, who are currently 34-26 and facing the Kings at Golden 1 Center at 9 p.m. MST. The game will be televised on 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports, Peacock, and NBC. Phoenix has already won all three previous matchups against Sacramento this season.

Devin Booker will likewise return to the lineup after missing four games with a right hip strain. However, the Suns will be without Dillon Brooks, who continues to recover from a left hand fracture, and Jordan Goodwin, sidelined with a left calf strain. Rookie Khaman Malauch, previously listed as questionable, has been upgraded to available with a right thumb sprain.

Highsmith himself expressed optimism about his progress, stating he is “progressing faster” than initially anticipated. He emphasized his commitment to contributing defensively, stating, “Defensively, that’s what I do. Pressure. Picking up, being that dog defensively. Crashing the glass, being a good shooter, a spot up shooter playing off of guys like (Jalen Green and Devin Booker) and just bringing that energy.”

The Suns’ starting lineup for tonight’s game will feature Collin Gillespie, Jalen Green, Royce O’Neale, Mark Williams, and Booker, with Grayson Allen coming off the bench. Green, who has been limited to 12 games this season due to a right hamstring injury, expressed his preference for starting, noting the opportunity to “dictate the flow of the game.”

The team is also awaiting the return of Dillon Brooks, who is expected to be re-evaluated in four to six weeks regarding his left-hand fracture. His eventual return could lead to further adjustments in the starting lineup, potentially shifting Gillespie to a bench role.