March 2 (UPI) -- All-Star guard Devin Booker was placed in the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols and will miss the Phoenix Suns' game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.
The Suns announced Booker's placement in the protocol at the team's shootaround earlier Wednesday.
Booker, a three-time All-Star selection, is the Suns' leading scorer this season. He has averaged 25.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game for Phoenix in the 2021-22 campaign.
Booker's absence is another significant blow to the Suns, who are already without fellow All-Star guard Chris Paul.
Paul broke his thumb Feb. 16 and could miss the remainder of the regular season, though the Suns remain hopeful he will return before the playoffs. Phoenix has lost two of its past three games without Paul in the lineup.
The Suns have the best record in the NBA at 49-12 and are attempting to claim the top seed in the Western Conference standings. Phoenix has a 6 1/2-game lead over the Golden State Warriors with about 20 games remaining in the regular season.
Booker, 25, also entered the COVID-19 protocols in September and missed media day and the start of training camp.