Bradley Beal can't catch a break.
The three-time All-Star wasn't on the court much for the Suns to start the 2023-24 season due to back issues. In only his third game back from his latest back injury, he sprained his right ankle. The expectation was that he'd miss at least two weeks with the injury.
Beal has appeared in only two games with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant to date, though he played four minutes in the second game before leaving with his ankle injury.
How long will Beal be out? Here's the latest news on his injury and when he is expected to return.
MORE: Where a healthy Bradley Beal will — and won't — help Suns
What is Bradley Beal's injury?
The Suns have been listing Beal on the injury report with a right ankle sprain.
Beal suffered the injury in Phoenix's loss to New York on Dec. 15. He turned his ankle early in the first quarter when he landed on Donte DiVincenzo's foot on a 3-point attempt. DiVincenzo was called for a flagrant foul and Beal made the free throw before exiting the game.
Here is a video of Beal's injury:
Beal finished with six points and one assist in four minutes of action.
How long is Bradley Beal out?
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Beal will return on Friday, Dec. 29 when the Suns host the Hornets.
Beal has been limited to six games this season. He missed seven straight games to start the season with low back tightness. He then missed 12 straight games with low back spasms.
Beal suffered his ankle injury only three games into his return from his latest back issues.
"Injuries are a part of the game," Suns head coach Frank Vogel said. "I'm disappointed for him. You could see the disappointment on his face in the back. That's my biggest concern, keeping him lifted. He'll get back soon enough, but it's been a frustrating injury type of season for him."
Through six games, Beal is averaging 14.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 25.2 minutes. He's shooting 44.9 percent from the field, 42.9 percent from 3-point range and 70.8 percent from the free throw line.
Bradley Beal career stats
- 22.1 points per game
- 4.3 assists per game
- 4.1 rebounds per game
- 1.1 steals per game
- 0.4 blocks per game
- 2.5 turnovers per game
- 46.0 percent field goal shooting
- 37.2 percent 3-point shooting
- 82.2 percent free throw shooting