The Phoenix Suns will potentially be missing their star guards, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker, when they go head-to-head against the Golden State Warriors in their season opener. According to sources, Beal is unlikely to play due to a back injury, while Booker’s status is listed as “50-50” with a toe injury.
In a tweet from The Athletic’s Sham Charania, it was revealed that the Suns are taking a cautious approach with Beal’s back ailment at the start of the new season. Beal was acquired by Phoenix in a trade that involved draft picks, Landry Shamet, and Chris Paul, who eventually ended up with the Warriors in a deal for Jordan Poole.
Beal, a longtime star for the Washington Wizards, has consistently averaged at least 22 points per game over the past seven seasons. He is expected to play a crucial role for the Suns alongside Booker and Kevin Durant.
As for Booker, Shams reported that he will attempt to play after warming up on Tuesday. Booker, a three-time All-Star, played 18 minutes in the Suns’ second-to-last preseason game on October 16. Although both Beal and Booker sat out the team’s preseason finale, they participated in practice on Monday. The official injury report listed Booker with a left big toe injury and Beal with a lower back issue.
In addition to Beal and Booker, the Suns have depth at the guard position with players like Eric Gordon, Grayson Allen, Jordan Goodwin, and Saben Lee.
On the Warriors’ side, Draymond Green has been ruled out due to a left ankle sprain. Green has missed the entire preseason and will not be available for the season opener against the Suns.
Coverage of the Warriors-Suns game will begin at 6 p.m. PT with “Warriors Pregame Live” on NBC Sports Bay Area. The game will air on TNT at 7 p.m. PT, followed by “Warriors Postgame Live” on NBC Sports Bay Area at 9:30 p.m. PT.
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