Suns Rule Bradley Beal Out vs T'Wolves

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns initially listed Bradley Beal as probable for tonight's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves with lower back issues.

Even in pre-game discussions with media, Suns coach Frank Vogel said Beal was probable.

However, that status has now changed. Beal is now out for tonight's game.

Devin Booker will play after a lengthy absence due to a calf strain. Eric Gordon is also available while Damion Lee remains out.

Tonight's @BannerHealth Health Update: pic.twitter.com/04Ti8pv2Gh
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 16, 2023

Suns fans across the globe were looking forward to tonight's action, which would have been the official regular season debut of Phoenix's Big 3 of Beal, Booker and Kevin Durant.

However, the Suns will have to wait until at least Friday vs Utah to see Beal suit up again.

Beal previously spoke about his lower back injury and how he needs to be smart with it moving forward. He missed the first seven games of the season.

“That’s where I kick myself a little bit because if I’m not going to be useful to the team, which I probably wasn’t as much in the second half, then I shouldn’t of damn then been out there, but that’s just me being hard headed and me just wanting to contribute anyway I can,” Beal said (h/t Duane Rankin).

“I definitely got to smart moving forward and just being smart and understanding there are other guys who can probably impact the game at much higher level if I’m not able to do so.”

Suns-Wolves is slated for a 7:00 PM tip. Grayson Allen or Eric Gordon could start for Phoenix in place of Beal.