The Phoenix Suns are rallying for a postseason push, buoyed by the return of Bradley Beal and Royce O’Neale as they prepare to face the Boston Celtics on the road.

Suns coach Mike Budenholzer confirmed Thursday that Beal, sidelined for the last eight games with a left hamstring strain, and O’Neale, who missed Tuesday’s game due to illness, are expected to play Friday.

Can Bradley Beal Help the Phoenix Suns Rally?

Beal’s return comes at a crucial time, as the Suns are without Kevin Durant, who is out with a left ankle sprain. With six games remaining in the regular season, the Suns (35-41) are currently one game behind the Sacramento Kings for the final Western Conference play-in tournament spot.

“It’s not ideal, obviously, it’s not fun,” Beal said regarding his injuries. “You control what you can control. That’s all I can do. I always preach about being available and that’s something I’m definitely kicking myself about, but that’s sometimes how the cookie crumbles.”

Phoenix has struggled with injuries but remains competitive when its stars are healthy, holding a 19-18 record when Durant, Beal, and Devin Booker have played together.

Bradley Beal Remains Confident in Phoenix Suns’ Outlook

The Suns’ next few games are critical, as they face the Celtics and the Knicks, adding pressure to their playoff aspirations.

“We still can make a run,” Beal said. “Obviously we’ve got to be healthy, get healthy, be available. The playoffs, anything can happen, man, but we’re a talented team and believe in what we can do. We’ve just got to give ourselves that opportunity.”

With Durant sidelined, Phoenix’s performance in the upcoming games could dictate their postseason fate as they aim to make a final push in the tightly contested race for a playoff spot.