The Phoenix Suns are likely to be without their newest star in Bradley Beal tonight in their season opener against the Warriors, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Phoenix Suns star Bradley Beal is unlikely to play tonight in season opener vs. the Golden State Warriors, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Suns are taking a cautious approach with Beal’s back ailment to begin the new season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 24, 2023
Beal has been dealing with lower back tightness and missed Thursday’s preseason finale due to it. He was also limited in Sunday’s practice, but did practice yesterday. He also missed the team’s third preseason game in Portland due to the back issue.
Despite Beal saying that he was hoping to play yesterday, that looks like it won’t be the case. Coach Frank Vogel said yesterday that they would see how Beal responded to yesterday’s practice before making a decision with him today.
“We’re hopeful they’re gonna play” – #Suns coach Frank Vogel on Devin Booker (sore toe) and Bradley Beal (lower back tightness) heading into season opener tomorrow. Added they will see how they will respond to today’s practice, which they both participated in. @BurnCitySuns
— Brendan Mau (@brendan_mau) October 23, 2023
After saying this, Beal and Devin Booker (left toe soreness) were officially listed as questionable on the Suns’ injury report. We will see if Booker suits up tonight.
This is a disappointing way to start the year for Suns’ fans, as their stars have had problems staying healthy in the past, and they are dealing with them right away.
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 open their season at 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.
WATCH: Bradley Beal Couldn’t Sleep Last Night in Anticipation of Phoenix Suns Debut + Season Opener
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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
