The Los Angeles Clippers made several significant offseason moves in hopes of building a roster capable of contending in the Western Conference this season. One of those key moves was acquiring former All-Star guard Bradley Beal after he reached a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns.

As the Clippers prepare to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, they might be without Beal’s services. He has appeared on the team’s injury report and is officially listed as questionable for the game, according to the NBA’s official injury update. Beal is dealing with back soreness, and a final decision on his availability is expected just before tip-off.

Beal joined the Clippers in the offseason as a free agent following a two-year stint with the Suns. He has played in the team’s first two games of the season, averaging around 20 minutes per contest. So far, Beal is putting up averages of 5.5 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists, shooting 44.4% from the field, 25% from beyond the arc, and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line.

He has started at shooting guard for both games. If Beal is unable to play against the Trail Blazers, this will likely create more opportunities for backup guard Kris Dunn, who was a crucial contributor to the Clippers’ success last season.

Selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Beal is now in his 14th NBA season. He spent the first 11 years of his career with the Washington Wizards, earning three All-Star selections during that time. The Wizards traded him to the Suns before the 2023-24 season.

The Suns were expected to be a strong contender with Beal alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. However, the team struggled to find consistency on the court throughout the season. Now with the Clippers, Beal looks to make an impact and help lead the team deeper into the playoffs.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-clippers/clippers-news-bradley-beal-injury-report-blazers