Suns guards Devin Booker (left foot soreness) and Bradley Beal (lower back tightness) have been downgraded to out for Thursday’s matchup vs. the Lakers in Los Angeles, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. Both players were listed as doubtful on Wednesday evening.
After initially being listed as questionable on Tuesday, Booker suited up and led Phoenix to a victory in the team’s season opener at Golden State, notching 32 points (on 13-of-21 shooting), eight assists and six rebounds. Beal, who was also questionable against the Warriors, ultimately missed the contest.
Grayson Allen started in Beal’s place on Tuesday, Rankin notes. Eric Gordon may start at the other guard spot — he started in place of Booker in the Suns’ preseason finale against the Lakers.
Beal suffered a “little tweak” in his back during practice last week, while Booker sustained a contact injury that also occurred in practice, as Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports relays (all Twitter links). Obviously it’s disappointing that two of their three stars will be out, but it’s better to be safe early in the season rather than potentially exacerbating the injuries, Bourguet adds.
I guess minor injuries during practice are gonna become routine if the NBA insists on going after load management.
A lot of softies, but it is very much the players league. Nothing Silver can do to make stars play. He doesn’t even care to punish a guy like Miles Bridges.
These new stars under 30 are actually almost all so pathetic. The fact that they are 25-30 being paid 30-50 million a year and can’t even play thru minor injuries is so pathetic.
Idk how anyone could be a fan of these new stars. LeBron is as old as time and he’s playing 60 games a year. You are telling me 25-28 year olds can’t sack up and play 75? Absolutely pathetic
Somehow the lakers are gonna lose the game
they better not being 100% healthy playing a team down 2 starters should be a easy win.
They just aren’t 100% healthy, but thanks for showing us you don’t know a thing about that team lol
Literally one of their starters is out bozo
Oh no not Jared Vanderbilt! Lol
Beal already missed a game?? Man that was fast!