Report: Booker expected to return from 3-game absence on Christmas

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker is expected to return from a groin injury on Christmas Day versus the Denver Nuggets after missing three games, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Suns went 1-2 during Booker's absence, picking up a win over the Los Angeles Lakers before dropping contests to the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies.

Booker is averaging 28 points and 5.8 assists this season, and is on track to set a new career high in scoring. The three-time All-Star is shooting 47.7% from the field and 37% from 3-point range.

The Suns and Nuggets will cap the NBA's annual five-game Christmas Day slate. Phoenix sits fourth in the Western Conference at 19-14, two games behind the first-place Nuggets and Grizzlies.