Bradley Beal's Status vs Jazz Revealed

The Phoenix Suns reveal Bradley Beal's status against the Utah Jazz on Friday.

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns are initially listing guard Bradley Beal as doubtful against the Utah Jazz due to lower back tightness. 

Phoenix Suns injury report at Utah Jazz:

DOUBTFUL: Bradley Beal (back).

PROBABLE: Devin Booker (calf), Drew Eubanks (low back tightness).

AVAILABLE: Jordan Goodwin (jaw).

OUT: Damion Lee (knee).#Suns

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 17, 2023

Beal played the previous three games and was initially listed as probable ahead of Phoenix's last game against the Minnesota Timberwolves before a last minute change saw him ruled out. 

"About the 60 minute mark when we had to report it," said Suns coach Frank Vogel when asked when the Suns knew about Beal's status. "He woke up with some residual tightness in the back this morning. We were hoping it would loosen up by game time. But it did not, so we held him out."

Phoenix opted for a smaller lineup of Devin Booker-Grayson Allen-Eric Gordon-Kevin Durant-Jusuf Nurkic in their 133-115 win over Minnesota. The Suns stopped a two-game losing streak and are 5-6 on the season.

Beal initially missed the first seven games of the season due to the injury. He played in just two preseason games. 

"It's tough man. Just like I said, nobody wants to miss any games, especially when you're the best in the game and you want to prove it every night and something's holding you back," said Booker. 

"So he's just trying to get right. He's taking all the steps, he's in there early every day in his treatment. We're gonna rally behind him, keep his morale high and make sure he's in good spirits until we get him back on the court."

Beal has averaged 17.3 points per night in the three games he's suited up. 

The Suns play Utah twice this weekend with dates on Friday and Sunday. Friday's contest will be nationally televised on ESPN and is set for opening tip right after 8:00 PM Arizona Time.