Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is upgraded to questionable for the first of six straight home games Friday versus the Charlotte Hornets.

Beal, who suffered a right ankle sprain in the Suns’ 139-122 loss to the New York Knicks Dec. 19, has missed all but six of the team’s games in 2023-24. Beal suffered a back injury, which is rumored to be a disc issue, in training camp and missed extensive time before he, guard Devin Booker and forward Kevin Durant each played together for the first time Dec. 17 against the Brooklyn Nets.

Beal, who has been observed participating in pregame warmups without limp, suffered the injury less than five minutes in to the Suns’ game against the Knicks.

Beal is yet to have 20 points in a game this season.

The Suns on Wednesday defeated the Houston Rockets, 129-113.

Phoenix employed its ball-handling attack and appeared to have a disciplined approach with initiators outside of Devin Booker, who had been the team’s defacto point guard.

Durant, who had been subject to criticism due to commentary from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski surrounding frustration, responded with 27 points on 9-of-16 shooting. He tied a career-high 16 assists and had the 20th triple-double in his career including the playoffs with 10 rebounds, along with two steals and a block.

The Suns scored 129 points, which was their most since Nov. 19 in a win this year.

Phoenix is looking to win its first-ever championship. The Suns have the fourth-best odds to win the 2024 NBA Finals according to FanDuel.

Beal, who was traded to the Suns in June, is expected to be a piece the team needs to win a title.

Beal three seasons ago competed with Warriors guard Steph Curry for the scoring title. In six games, Beal is averaging 14.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

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