Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal will miss at least three weeks before being re-evaluated for his lower back strain, the team announced Friday.
Beal was listed as doubtful to play in Friday’s road game against the Utah Jazz, the first of a two-game series that closes Sunday. He has been day to day for much of the season, attempting to push through the back ailment to play for his new franchise.
INJURY UPDATE: The Phoenix Suns today announced that guard Bradley Beal will be out and re-evaluated in three weeks as he continues to rehab a low back strain. This timeline was determined following further evaluation and consultation on his injury.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 17, 2023
Beal suffered the back injury during Suns training camp, playing in only two of the team’s five preseason games. The Suns have erred on the side of caution and have run more tests on Beal’s back, as he missed the first seven games of the regular season before making his debut on Nov. 8 in a win over Chicago, the first of three consecutive appearances. In three games, Beal has averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 28.7 minutes.
Beal tweaked his back during Sunday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant were expected to make their debut together for the Suns on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center, but Beal had a flare-up in his back pregame and was a late scratch within an hour before tipoff.
Last offseason, the Suns hired coach Frank Vogel and acquired Beal in a blockbuster trade. Phoenix is 5-6 entering Friday’s game.
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