The Washington Wizards entered Tuesday night’s NBA action against the Milwaukee Bucks on a five-game winning streak. Playing excellent basketball, the team was hoping to keep the good times rolling as they were getting a huge boost, with Bradley Beal set to return to the lineup.
Unfortunately for Beal, the return didn’t last too long. He played only 13:18 before his night was deemed over as his hamstring was acting up again. Beal finished the game with eight points, four assists, one rebound, two steals and a ton of frustration.
“I tried to make a few accelerations, and [it] kind of prevented me from doing that,” Beal said. “It’s frustrating because I didn’t have that the last 48 hours. Nobody wants to play more than me. But I’ve just got to be smart about it.”
The Wizards would go on to lose the game 123-113 as Giannis Antetkounmpo had a career night with 55 points. Washington had no answer for him as their winning streak was snapped. But, their attention is once again on Beal, who could be forced to miss more time.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Bradley Beal & Washington Wizards Updates
Beal had missed the last three games with a hamstring injury heading into Tuesday’s matchup with the Bucks. It was already the third time this season that Beal had missed at least three consecutive games in a stretch as he has appeared in only 24 out of 39 contests. Frustratingly, a fourth instance could be on the horizon.
“It’s tough. It is frustrating. I always preach your best ability is your availability, and I haven’t been that. That piece is definitely frustrating, but I have to be encouraged and understand that there’s still more that I can contribute to the game,” Beal said. “… It’s tough because we’re playing good ball. I want to be a part of that.”
Given the hole that they dug for themselves with a stretch they lost 14 out of 16 games, including 10 in a row, the Wizards don’t have too much room for error. Luckily for them, they have hovered around the .500 mark without Beal in the lineup, going 7-8 in the 15 games without him.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Bradley Beal & Washington Wizards Updates
If he is forced to miss more time to get his hamstring right, the team will once again rely on Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis to carry the load. Both players are having an excellent season, setting themselves up for nice paydays in the 2023 offseason as both have player options for the 2023-24 season.
