New Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal was officially ruled as out with lower back tightness by coach Frank Vogel in his pregame presser today.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Bradley Beal has been ruled out of Suns-Warriors on Opening Night due to back issue. Beal had been unlikely throughout the day, but there’s optimism the All-Star is progressing in his return process. https://t.co/LCCxyJxTfp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 25, 2023
Vogel added that he was “hopeful” Beal could play Thursday against the Lakers. Beal was questionable heading into the night, but reportedly “unlikely” to play as of this morning. Suns’ fans will have to wait to see the team’s Big 3 in action.
Devin Booker, who was probable with left toe soreness, will play and start. The Suns will start Grayson Allen in Beal’s place. Damion Lee is the only other Suns’ player out, as he continues to recover from meniscus surgery. Draymond Green (ankle) is out for the Warriors.
Suns’ Starting Lineup: Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Josh Okogie, Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkić
Beal has been dealing with lower back tightness and missed Thursday’s preseason finale due to it. He was limited in Sunday’s practice, but did practice yesterday. He first missed the team’s third preseason game in Portland due to the back issue.
Vogel explained his decision making when it comes to injuries on Sunday.
“(I) make all decisions on all injuries on a case-by-case basis,” Vogel said. “I’m a pro-play guy if guys are healthy, but if guys are dinged up, and we have to manage certain injuries, you manage them case by case.”
The Suns’ season opener is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST tonight in Golden State, but fans will certainly not be happy that they won’t get to see their full team.
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
