The Valley team has undergone a massive transformation in recent years. From new ownership to a new coach, the Phoenix Suns have spared no efforts to improve their chances for a title. After last season’s Kevin Durant trade did not work out all that well as they were eliminated in the second round, the team decided to retool once again. They brought in sharpshooter Bradley Beal to join forces with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant and form one of the most formidable offensive forces the league has witnessed.

Despite restructuring their roster to add as much depth as they can, one x-factor that will decide the fate of the Suns is the health of their star players. Bradley Beal has been extremely injury-prone in recent years, playing only 50 games last season. It looks like the injury bug has followed him to the Suns, since he is ‘unlikely’ to feature in the season opener against the Golden State Warriors.

Why is Bradley Beal sidelined for the season opener?

The Phoenix Suns will take a trip to the Bay Area to lock horns with the Golden State Warriors in their home arena, Chase Center, on Tuesday. The teams will participate in the second game of the doubleheader on the opening day, marking the start of the 78th NBA season. The season has not even officially begun yet, and injuries have already started to haunt the Suns. Their new addition, Bradley Beal, is most likely to miss the first game due to lingering back pain. As per reports, Beal tweaked his back last week after playing two preseason games. Although he returned to practice on Monday, the Suns are “taking a cautious approach with Beal’s back ailment,” according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Although the injury appears to be nothing serious, the Suns are taking precautions ahead of the gruelling 82-game regular season. Beal will play an integral role in the team if they are to make a deep run to the playoffs. Hence, it is important that he remain healthy. Another star player who is questionable for the matchup is Devin Booker, who is nursing a toe injury.

Is Draymond Green playing tonight versus the Suns?

The Suns are not the only ones without their star players. The Warriors will also be without their defensive anchor, Draymond Green, in the season opener. Green suffered an ankle injury during a team workout, which cost him the entire preseason. Although he has been cleared for 5-on-5 drills, he will be out for Tuesday’s game. Even though the Warriors have a strong offensive force, their defence might take a hit in Green’s absence. However, it is a relief that the injury is not serious, and he’ll be back on the court once he is fully recovered.

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With injuries to major players on both teams, it will be interesting to see the lineups the coaches will choose for the season opener. In Beal’s absence, Eric Gordon might get a nod to feature in the starting five. On the other hand, Green’s absence might give Chris Paul an opportunity to start for the Warriors.

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