Status of Bradley Beal, Devin Booker Revealed for Suns-Warriors

The Phoenix Suns listed two stars as questionable ahead of the season opener against the Golden State Warriors. We now know both of their statuses.

PHOENIX -- It's game day for the Phoenix Suns for the first time in the 2023-24 season, and the team has quite the daunting task ahead of them as the Golden State Warriors await them in the Bay. 

Previously, the Warriors ruled out Draymond Green with a ankle sprain, though it appears the Suns will be without one of their own stars in Bradley Beal with lower back tightness, according to Shams Charania. 

*UPDATE: Frank Vogel has ruled Beal out of the starting lineup tonight*

Phoenix Suns star Bradley Beal is unlikely to play tonight in season opener vs. the Golden State Warriors, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Suns are taking a cautious approach with Beal’s back ailment to begin the new season.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 24, 2023

On the other hand, Devin Booker (dealing with a toe injury) told The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin he'd be playing tonight.

Devin Booker (toe) just told me he is playing tonight. #Suns

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 24, 2023

PHOENIX SUNS INJURY REPORT

Questionable- Devin Booker (left big toe), Bradley Beal (lower back)

Out- Damion Lee (right meniscus surgery)

Booker and Beal both practiced yesterday according to head coach Frank Vogel. The team was initially "hopeful" both will be good to go. 

Frank Vogel said both Devin Booker (sore toe) and Bradley Beal (back) practiced today. Said they’ll wait and see how they respond to today’s work in regards to tomorrow’s season opener, but the Suns are hopeful they’ll be good to go

— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) October 23, 2023

Neither Booker or Beal played in the team's preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers. Vogel said he spoke with each player ahead of the game. 

"I talked to each one of them. I said, 'tell me what's the best environment for you to get ready for next Tuesday' and initially it was for all three of them to play," said Vogel.

"Book ultimately decided that rest would be better for tonight and Brad is dealing with some tightness in his back."

According to Fan Nation's Joey Linn, Green's injury, "likely means Chris Paul will remain in the starting lineup alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney. Once Green returns, Golden State will likely decide between Looney and Paul for that final starting spot."

Suns-Warriors will be the second of the NBA's opening night doubleheader, as they'll follow the first Lakers-Nuggets matchup. Opening tip is slated for 7:00 PM Arizona time.