Suns Injury Update: Will Bradley Beal Play Tonight in the In-Season Tournament Quarter Final VS the Lakers

It goes without saying that tonight’s game is going to be a nail-biting matchup. Both formidable teams with elite-level players and ultimate star power will render this an unforgettable experience. Yet to make an appearance with the said star-powered Big 3 of the Suns, Bradley Beal continues to be a source of concern. Aside from the fans, even more so, would be the New Orleans Pelicans who will be looking forward to the results.

The winner of the quarterfinals will move ahead to the semi-finals in Las Vegas. And from there, one step closer to certain glory. So, can Phoenix expect Beal to make an appearance with all three tonight?

Will Bradley Beal play tonight vs Lakers?

The short and sour answer is ‘No’. The Suns had acquired Beal in the offseason to create a Big 3 with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. And while everyone was excited to see the trio make their appearance in the season opener, the 3x All-Star was already on the injury list. In the latest update, Frank Vogel confirmed Beal will remain out.

Aside from the fact that one of their key components will be missing, the absence will prove to be a thorn for the 30-year-old guard. The Lakers vs Suns game will be the 18th game that he will miss, which automatically disqualifies him from being considered for any end-of-season awards.

Beal’s back issues had made its appearance during preseason games. Having played just two of the five games, he was listed as a no-go for the season opener against GSW. While there was a lot of back and forth about his availability, towards the end, the team always listed Beal as ‘Out’.

It was more of a precaution than anything severe. And then, finally, Beal was cleared to take the floor on November 8 against the Chicago Bulls. However, Booker’s injury caused him to be a no-show. The Suns’ Big 3 remained incomplete. The “Big Panda” would play two more games (the Lakers and Thunder) before he was back on the injury list.

By November 18th, it was reported that re-evaluation confirmed his timeline for return would be at least three weeks. Clearly, the Suns’ star guard’s injury is getting to be a real source of concern.

Who will take Beal’s place tonight?

Grayson Allen is the most probable choice to take the place in Beal’s absence. Averaging 11.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, Allen has been a consistent presence for Phoenix. An impactful shooting guard with a TS% of 65.5, Grayson has proved to be quite efficient with the starting five.

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Eric Gordon has also seen more minutes in the game with Bradley Beal out. So we can expect him also on the floor for a considerable time. Having spent 11 years of his career with the team that drafted him (Washington Wizards), everyone agreed when it came to Beal’s move.

While the move itself was hard, Beal and the Wizards accepted that there wasn’t anything more for him to provide or do. But with the Suns, he was capable of achieving great heights. Unfortunately, this season is looking grim for Bradley Beal.

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