PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns will see Bradley Beal, who was questionable with an elbow injury entering tonight, back in action against the Portland Trail Blazers.

This was confirmed by new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer during his pre-game press conference.

Beal, who will also start, has missed two games due to the injury.

Earlier today, Beal spoke to reporters at shootaround and said the plan was to play tonight against Portland.

“That’s the game plan,” Beal said Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic.

“It’s the mental part. You want to make sure you don’t have any setbacks if you decide to go out again.”

The Suns are 4-1 thanks to strong starts from players like star Devin Booker and rookie Ryan Dunn.

Dunn has played tremendously well in his two stints as a starter in place of Beal, and should continue to be a strong option off the bench until he is needed back in the starting lineup.

Under Budenholzer, Phoenix is ​​slowly (and successfully) adjusting to its new identity as a team that spaces the floor and shoots a lot of three-point attempts.

The Suns managed to overcome multiple deficits of more than 20 points in wins over both Los Angeles teams to start the year.

With Phoenix listed as a double-digit favorite, it would be a surprise if the Suns had to overcome a significant deficit again, although it’s fair to expect something unexpected in the NBA.

Beal was the only injured player on Phoenix’s report entering Saturday. Josh Okogie (hamstring) will make his regular season debut tonight.

The opening tip is scheduled for shortly after 7:00 pm local time at Footprint Center.