Is Bradley Beal playing tonight against Indiana Pacers? Latest on Suns star guard's status (Jan. 4)

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is questionable to play against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. The former All-Star had a rough fall in Tuesday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, hurting his hip before being sidelined for the rest of the contest.

Beal was diagnosed with a left hip contusion right after, which limited him in practice on Thursday ahead of their matchup against the Pacers. His participation tonight will likely be determined a few hours before game time, as it will depend on how much pain he would feel during the night.

Beal has been a solid contributor for the Suns this season, averaging 18.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He is shooting 48.9% from the field and 38.6% from the 3-point line, alongside 2.2 turnovers per game.

The Suns guard's injury came just after his teammate Devin Booker returned to action in their loss against the Grizzlies. Booker, who has been the team’s longest-tenured player, returned from a groin strain injury he picked up against the same Pacers squad last Dec. 19, preventing him from playing in their Christmas Day showcase.

Aside from Beal, guard Collin Gillespie will also miss the game against Indiana due to an ankle injury, while veteran shooter Royce O’Neale will remain out due to a left ankle sprain. Starting center Jusuf Nurkic will also continue to serve his suspension against the Pacers.

Kevin Durant is expected to carry the heavy lifting on offense as he leads the Suns in scoring, with averages of 27.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Booker follows him, putting up 24.7 points and 6.5 assists per game.

Suns coach Mike Budenholzer recalls how Bradley Beal injured his hip

Early in their game against the Grizzlies, Phoenix guard Bradley Beal looked hurt from his fall under the basket. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer looked back at how Beal picked up the injury and his decision to keep him on the floor despite looking hurt.

“I think it may have started on the first play of the game," Budenholzer said. "I think he got to the basket. I think he took a fall there. Then I think there was a second fall at some point. There were some tender steps, some signs that he might be, but he never said anything to me about needing to come out. He fought through it.

“Kind of just rode him because I felt like we needed him and Kevin (Durant) to stay in touch in the first quarter. I think once he came out, it tightened up or became obvious it was something more serious.”

If Beal cannot play against the Pacers, returning Grayson Allen is expected to fill his role in the starting lineup. The Suns will look to climb up the standings as they currently hold a 15-17 win-loss record.