In this edition of NBA news and rumors, Amen Thompson and Bradley Beal appear set to return after long absences.
NBA Rumors: Amen Thompson and Bradley Beal Returning To The Court This Week?
Amen Thompson N0t On Injury Report
Thompson is not on the Houston Rockets injury report for tonight’s home contest against the San Antonio Spurs. Thompson has been out since Nov. 1 due to a sprained ankle.
The 2023 No. 4 overall selection will jump right back into the Rockets’ rotation, coach Ime Udoko told Jonathan Feigan of the Houston Chronicle.
“The plan is to incorporate him back into the lineup. Obviously, we have guys playing well, so we have to find minutes and opportunity there, and we’ll tweak our rotation some once we get him in with certain groups.”
Thompson struggled in his rookie debut. But the 20-year-old did play decently well in his other three appearances before going down with the injury. He averages 6.3 points and nearly three boards while posting a shooting slash line of .409/.182/.625 in 17 minutes of action.
While Thompson is now healthy, the Rockets could be without Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason, who are questionable. Brooks is dealing with an illness, while Eason has a sore left leg. Houston (10-9) enters tonight’s clash on a two-game winning streak,
Meanwhile, San Antonio (3-18) has lost 15 straight contests.
Bradley Beal To Return On Tuesday
Beal is set to return to the Phoenix Suns lineup on Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors after being a full practice participant on Saturday, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.
Barring any setbacks, Bradley Beal (back) on course to play Tuesday vs. Golden State, sources have told The Republic.
Beal has played in just three games with Phoenix Suns.
Last played Nov. 12 vs. OKC.
Full participant Sunday practice. Averaging 17.3 points this season.
#Suns pic.twitter.com/EJWzNjiABc— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 10, 2023
After sitting out the first six games, Beal finally debuted on November 6. The 30-year-old guard played in three games before being shut down the past three weeks because of a back issue.
Phoenix has lost two straight and is 12-10 on season. However, Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant have yet to play a game together. Durant didn’t practice on Sunday and is listed as questionable for the game against the Warriors. Grayson Allen also didn’t practice on Sunday due to a groin injury, and Nassir Little is in concussion protocol.
The Suns have defeated the Warriors in both meetings this year. Warriors (10-12) have lost 11 of 16.
Gary Payton II (calf) has been sidelined since Nov. 29. But he is reportedly making good progress and is expected to be reevaluated this week.
