GLENDALE – The heart of this gritty Phoenix Suns team is reportedly nearing his return to save the franchise from recent cold stretch. PHNX Suns’ Felix Cruz reported that forward Dillon Brooks is “very close” to returning on the court, with next week being the target date. Brooks is recovering from a fractured left hand suffered on February 21st vs. the Orlando Magic.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A return next week put his recovery time at around five weeks and should be ready to help a Suns team currently on a five-game losing streak. Phoenix is 6-8 without Brooks since his injury and have seriously struggled offensively.
Feb 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; A cast is visible on the hand of Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks against the Portland Trail Blazers at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Brooks nearing return for Phoenix:
In Brooks absence, the franchise is 21st in offensive rating and 13th in defensive rating for a -1.1 net rating. The team has been the least efficient team in the NBA, having a 55 true shooting percentage. The offense has become a slug without the 30-year-old, who was in the middle of a career year. His 20.9 points per game was a career high and second on the team to have him flirt with an All-Star appearance.
Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With 11 games remaining in the regular season, and four games back of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the sixth seed, Phoenix will likely being stuck in the seventh seed and the Play-In. Having Brooks return with a handful of games left will be a perfect time to reinsert him back into the lineup and knock the rust off ahead of a Play-In game.
The three other Play-In team are below .500 but have given the Suns trouble, with a combined 5-6 record vs. those teams. The recent struggles have made Brooks a necessary component to make it out of the Play-In.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
