Suns HC offers optimistic Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal injury update ahead of Lakers clash 

Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal's injury updates had a key development. Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer had much-needed positive news for the side on freefall. Phoenix will look to arrest their five-game losing skid when they host the smarting LA Lakers on Tuesday. The good news comes in the form of Durant and Beal's availability.

The stars were active participants during the Suns' practice before the marquee matchup. Speaking to the media pre-game, Budenholzer was hopeful that both his main players would be available against LA.

"They both looked great. They did everything in practice today, quite a bit of scrimmaging. They are great players, so it's great to have them playing. They brought an energy and the pop, which was really good."

Phoenix was without Durant who sustained a calf strain, for seven straight games, and they lost five in his absence. He was in the middle of an MVP-caliber season averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 55.3% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range in nine appearances.

Beal suffered a calf strain as well and missed the last five games for the Suns. He is well on track to return on Tuesday, and if he does miss the contest, Ryan Dunn will continue to fill in for the wing. Beal averages 17.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists in his nine games so far.

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"Not having one of them is a big loss": Tyus Jones highlights the importance of Suns without Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal

The same presser also saw Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal's teammate Tyus Jones speak of the impact the duo had on the side. The Suns slumped to eighth place in a stacked Western Conference with a five-game losing streak. They are 1-6 in their last seven games without Durant.

"Not having one of them is a big loss, not having both of them was huge. We just weren't playing our best ball and that happens throughout the year. Now we're excited to get both of them back."

The Suns begin a challenging stretch of games, starting with the Lakers. Both teams met earlier this season with Phoenix taking the win, but LA has bounced back off a tough road stretch rattling a string of wins before losing two on the bounce. Now the focus will be on Kevin Durant once more to see if he can help the Suns get back to winning ways.