Suns wing Bradley Beal will be in action for just the fourth time this season when Phoenix faces Golden State on Tuesday. He hasn’t played since Nov. 12 due to a back injury.
“I’m excited,” Beal told Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic after Monday’s practice. “It’s been a process for sure. It’s been a game of patience, but definitely ready.”
However, it’s not a given that the team’s big three will all be in action at the same time. Kevin Durant is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain. Beal will be playing with Devin Booker for the first time.
“I’m beyond excited (to play with Booker),” Beal said. “He’s playing at an elite level right now. It was tough the last couple of games just seeing him double teamed, triple teamed.”
Grayson Allen is listed as out due to a groin injury.
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- The Warriors’ Chris Paul and Klay Thompson are expected to play on Tuesday, Anthony Slater of The Athletic tweets. Paul missed the last game with an illness and Thompson sat out Sunday’s practice because he was under the weather. Both practiced on Monday in Phoenix.
- P.J. Tucker has seen his playing time evaporate with the Clippers and it might be tough for him to break into the rotation again, Law Murray of The Athletic opines. Murray notes that Tucker lacks the height to deal with most big men, the athleticism to deal with most guards, and the offensive punch to be a helpful wing at this stage of his career. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on Monday that numerous contenders are looking at potentially acquiring Tucker.
- The Lakers will hang an in-season tournament championship banner from the rafters. It will be unveiled Dec. 18 and will feature a different shape and color than the team’s 17 NBA championship banners, Marc Stein tweets.
A banner…for 7 games. A bit much
Half a million for 7 games is too. But hey, if Adam Silver is giving away free stuff you take it.
Tucker to Miami, he fitted in so well down there. I just don’t see how they make a deal for him, cause it kinda has to be Tucker and Coffey for Robinson or Tucker for Martin and Jovic.
Martin and Jovic hold to much value and Robinson been very good for them off the bench.
I doubt they’d like to give up either especially for a late 30’s forward who’s looking for his third team in 20 games.
PJ to NY maybe…
Fouriner and a second or two for PJ and Coffey?
Fouriner isn’t getting minutes anyways, maybe the clippers could find a role for him. If not he’s a nice expring deal. PJ for NY on the other hand would be handy off the bench. They’ve lacked a PF with Obi gone and PJ would work well in a Thibs system.
San Antonio is the out the box idea.
He could provide a solid veteran presence for them. Very experienced and smart defensively which could go well paired next to Wemby. Plus they could throw in either DeVonte Graham or Doug McDermott to get it done
Lastly and my favourite idea, Pheonix.
PJ is the perfect fit with those stars they have. Doesn’t need to provide any offence just stand in the corner and throw up open looks occasionally. But smart and versatile defender with loads of playoff experience. They could easily give up Grayson Allen on an expiring deal.
Losing Allen for PJ would be a bad move. He’s played the 3rd most minutes for them and is shooting 48%/47%/90%