Bradley Beal Sidelined for Season Due to Hip Injury: Sources
Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Bradley Beal has been ruled out for the remainder of the NBA season due to a left hip fracture, according to league sources. This injury comes at a challenging time for the Clippers, who are struggling with a 3-7 record as of now.
Details of Beal’s Injury
Bradley Beal, 32, initially sustained the hip injury during a home game against the Phoenix Suns. Despite previously being listed as questionable, Beal returned to the game and played until reaching his 20-minute restriction. His performance was limited as he has played just six games this season after signing with the Clippers during the summer.
Impact of the Injury
- Beal signed a two-year contract with the Clippers, which includes a player option for 2026.
- The Clippers had hoped Beal would fill the role left by Norman Powell, who was traded to the Miami Heat.
- In his short stint with the Clippers, Beal logged only 121 minutes across six games.
- He failed to exceed 22 minutes in any of those appearances, despite being a starter.
Prior to this season, Beal faced significant injury challenges, missing 132 games over the past four seasons. He had been a standout player, averaging more than 30 points per game in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns with the Washington Wizards. However, his transition to the Clippers has not been as fruitful.
Current Team Status
With Beal’s absence, the Clippers will lose a pivotal player as they try to improve their standings. Additionally, star forward Kawhi Leonard is also sidelined due to a right ankle sprain sustained last week against the Miami Heat. Coach Tyronn Lue had expressed concerns about Beal’s capability to play multiple games prior to this season-ending diagnosis.
This situation raises further questions about the Clippers’ lineup and strategies moving forward. As they look for ways to regroup, the team faces a tough road ahead in the current NBA season.
