Phoenix Suns have been a well-oiled machine ever since their superstar Devin Booker returned to the line-up. The duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker has led the Suns to a 12-8 record, which puts them in the 4th spot of the Western Conference standings. But we are yet to see Phoenix in full force as their third star, Bradley Beal, has been out since November 12 due to back issues. The Suns’ new Big 3 is yet to make their regular season debut.

The Suns have a tall task ahead as they will go head-to-head against the Los Angeles Lakers in the in-season tournament quarterfinal tonight. Let’s find out if Bradley Beal will suit up against LeBron James and Co. as we receive a major update on his injury.

Bradley Beal injury update

Phoenix Suns head coach Frank Vogel revealed Bradley Beal will remain out for tonight’s in-season tournament clash against the Lakers as he is still recovering from his back injury. But there is some good news for the Suns fans. NBA insider Shams Charania had a massive update on Beal’s injury, “I’m told (Bradley) Beal has started his ramp-up process, and he is continuing to progress in that ramp-up.” According to Shams, Beal will be re-evaluated later this week, and he might make his return in the next 10 days.

Bradley Beal has played only 3 games in the Suns uniform, averaging 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Phoenix acquired Beal, along with Jordan Goodwin and Isaiah Todd, earlier this year in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, and multiple future draft picks. Phoenix hoped Beal would be the third star alongside KD and Booker and carry some of the offensive load with them. Beal was a scoring machine in Washington and had been their primary scorer for most of his career.

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How will the Suns fare without Beal in tonight’s In-Season Tournament quarter-final against the Lakers?

Can Phoenix beat the Lakers without Bradley Beal?

Kevin Durant and Co. will face the Lakers for the second time in the in-season tournament. They first met in November in the group stage, where LeBron James got the best of Phoenix and came out with a win. LeBron and KD had a historic duel in the first game, with The Slim Reaper scoring 38 points and King James responding with 32 points and 11 rebounds. Bradley Beal also played in that game and scored a solid 24 points.

Even though Devin Booker is back in the lineup for tonight’s quarterfinal, Phoenix will miss Beal, as they could use his firepower against the in-form Lakers. LeBron James and Co. are coming off a dominant win against the Houston Rockets, and Anthony Davis has been in great form for the last five games.

Do you think Kevin Durant and Co. can answer the challenge and eliminate the Lakers from the in-season tournament without Bradley Beal?

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