Report: Suns Bradley Beal Out vs. Warriors with Back Injury; Rehab Is Progressing

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is reportedly out for the season opener due to a lingering back injury, causing concern for the team's star-laden core.

In a disappointing turn of events, it has been reported that Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal will not be able to participate in the team's season opener against the Golden State Warriors due to a lingering back injury. This information comes from Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, who also mentioned that there is some optimism regarding Beal's progress in his recovery process.

It was initially believed that Beal would be unlikely to play in the opening game, as the Suns have been taking a cautious approach to his back ailment. This is especially important as Beal is embarking on his first season with the team. Although he returned to practice on Monday after tweaking his back, it seems that he is still experiencing lingering pain.

Over the past two seasons, Beal has unfortunately been plagued by consistent injuries, which has resulted in him only playing in 90 games since his first All-NBA team selection in the 2020-2021 season. Despite these setbacks, Beal has proven himself to be one of the game's top scorers, averaging a career-high 31.3 points per game and serving as a crucial offensive force for the Washington Wizards.

The Suns have placed a significant amount of trust in their star-studded trio of Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant. Any prolonged absence of one of these three All-Stars could have disastrous consequences, considering the lack of depth behind them on the roster.

With Beal out of the lineup, it is likely that veteran Eric Gordon, who is entering his 16th NBA season, will see an increase in playing time. Additionally, Grayson Allen, who was acquired in a trade that involved the Suns parting ways with Deandre Ayton for depth pieces, will also have an opportunity to contribute more minutes on the court.

Looking ahead, the Suns are scheduled to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night in what was anticipated to be another exciting matchup to kick off the 2023-2024 regular season. However, if Beal is unable to play, it will be the second consecutive nationally televised game without a major star to start the year. This absence could potentially dampen the excitement surrounding the game for fans and viewers alike.

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