Suns’ Bradley Beal Sidelined with Ankle Injury, Misses Second Straight Game

PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Phoenix Suns will be without star guard Bradley Beal for their Saturday matchup against the Detroit Pistons due to a left ankle sprain. Beal, who has been coming off the bench in recent games, will miss his second consecutive contest as the Suns aim to maintain their momentum.

Beal’s absence was anticipated after he was listed as doubtful on Friday’s injury report. The veteran guard previously sat out Thursday’s game against the Washington Wizards, marking his first missed game of 2025. Beal has been dealing with the ankle issue since spraining it during the second half of Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, where he played 28 minutes and contributed eight points.

Since transitioning to a bench role six games ago, Beal has averaged 31 minutes, 16 points, four assists, and three rebounds per game. His move to the second unit coincided with the Suns’ efforts to reverse a late-2024 slump, during which the team won four of six games. Phoenix secured a seven-point victory over the Wizards on Thursday despite Beal’s absence.

The Suns will also be without center Jusuf Nurkic, who remains sidelined with an illness. However, newly acquired center Nick Richards is expected to join the team for Saturday’s game in Detroit. Richards, acquired in a trade involving wing Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, is anticipated to start once he acclimates to the team.

Meanwhile, the Pistons are looking to rebound from a recent loss to the Indiana Pacers and avoid falling back to a .500 record. The game is scheduled to tip off at 4 p.m. ET.

Beal, a three-time All-Star, spent the first 11 years of his career with the Wizards before being traded to Phoenix. His absence means he will miss another opportunity to face his former team, where he scored 43 points in his return last season.

The Wizards, who are struggling with a 6-32 record, will also be shorthanded. Veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon (plantar fascia contusion), forward Marvin Bagley (knee sprain), and wing Saddiq Bey (ACL surgery) have been ruled out. Washington is currently on a seven-game losing streak.