The Washington Wizards finally got back on the winning track on Saturday when they defeated the Orlando Magic to end their three game losing streak. The Wizards are 4-4 so far this season and just kind of treading water and to make matters worse they have been without one of their best players in Bradley Beal for the past two games. Beal is unlikely to play on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks and the doctors have told him to be cautious with his current injury, according to J. Michael of CSN Washington.
Beal is currently dealing with what the Wizards are calling a shoulder bruise that he suffered about a week and a half ago. The Wizards have been fortunate that they have only had two games since then so Beal hasn't had to miss too much time but it seems like he will miss at least three games with this injury. After Tuesday night's game against the Bucks Washington doesn't play again until Saturday and that seems like a realistic return date for Beal.
While Beal's injury isn't currently serious doctors have reportedly recommended that he take it easy with the injury because it can turn into something more serious if he hurts it again. In the two games Beal has missed the Wizards were 1-1 as they were blown out by the Oklahoma City Thunder but were able to rebound against the Orlando Magic.
Through six games this season Beal has played very well as he leads the team with 22.7 points per game and he is shooting very well at 49 percent from the field and 47 percent from three. Beal has had injury issues throughout his NBA career and that is part of the reason he and the Wizards were unable to agree on an extension this offseason but he has proven this season that he is a dominant offensive force when he is on the court.
In Beal's place the Wizards started Gary Neal in the loss and Garrett Temple in the win. Neal is the offensive option while Temple is the defensive option and Temple will likely remain the starter as long as Beal is out which the Wizards hope will only be one more game.
