The Phoenix Suns will be without guard Bradley Beal for the next three weeks as he recovers from a back injury sustained in an earlier game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He initially suffered the injury during training camp and missed the start of the regular season due to back spasms. Since making his debut with the Suns, Beal has averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in three starts.
The Suns confirmed that Beal’s back injury was aggravated during the game against the Thunder, and an MRI revealed a lower back strain. This setback comes after the Suns acquired Beal from the Washington Wizards in exchange for veteran point guard Chris Paul, shooting guard Landry Shamet, and several draft picks. This move was made by the new Suns owner, Mat Ishbia, and was aimed at forming a Big 3 with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
However, Beal’s injury has prevented him from contributing significantly to the Suns’ performance this season, and he has yet to play alongside Booker. The team faced additional challenges with Booker’s absence in the early part of the season due to ankle and calf injuries. Despite these setbacks, Booker has returned to the court, posting career-best numbers in his performances.
The Suns’ fortunes are still uncertain as they have faced injury issues with key players. However, they are still seen as a popular choice in the betting market. The team parted ways with head coach Monty Williams and traded away center Deandre Ayton, but they remain a popular pick to win the championship and have favorable odds to win the Western Conference and the Pacific Division.
Despite their recent struggles, the Suns are closely trailing the Denver Nuggets in the odds for the Western Conference. They are also among the top choices to win the championship, displaying resilience against early challenges. The team is currently in eighth place in the Western Conference, with Beal’s recovery and their ongoing performance crucial for their future success.
