Suns Bradley Beal returning to lineup against Boston Celtics

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns get some much needed reinforcements against the defending champs. Guard Bradley Beal will return to the lineup after missing eight straight games because of a left hamstring strain. Beal will join a depleted Suns team that will be without Kevin Durant to try to end its four-game skid against the Boston Celtics.

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What Beal brings to the Suns:

Beal’s return to the lineup will help with the team’s need for a secondary scorer. Against the Milwaukee Bucks, Devin Booker was relied on to do everything, finishing the game with 39 points and 11 assists. The 31-year-old insertion back into the starting lineup will help alleviate the pressure on Booker’s shoulder. Beal will likely send Collin Gillespie to the bench, which would be crucial to have a stellar playmaker lead the bench unit like the first-year Sun.

In his two games against Boston in Phoenix, Beal averaged 23.5 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.0 rebounds. The three-time All-Star has a special connection with Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, as they are childhood friends, so the matchup is much more special for Beal.

The Suns are still only a game back from the Sacramento Kings for the 10th seed, despite the team’s four game losing streak. Beal’s return is a life raft for the team to try and stay above water long enough for a Durant return when the franchise gets back to Phoenix.

The road to the Play-In is a tough one, with the Suns having the hardest remaining schedule in the NBA. However, Beal’s return gives the team just enough hope to keep pushing.

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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports