BOSTON — Bradley Beal is expected to make his return Friday night against defending NBA champion Boston at TD Garden after missing eight straight games with a left hamstring strain, Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said after Thursday’s practice. Beal indicated he was on track to return earlier this week.

Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic reported head coach Mike Budenholzer said the expectation is Bradley Beal will take the court after missing the last eight games with a left hamstring strain. Royce O'Neale is also expected to play after he missed Tuesday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks with an illness.

BOSTON – Bradley Beal can’t blame fans for being upset with him missing games due to injury, especially when the Phoenix Suns are desperate for wins just to stay in the play-in race without injured superstar Kevin Durant. “I get it, I get it,” Beal said. “They have every reason to be. I am, too.”