Opposing star's return sums up Golden State Warriors' luck so far this season
The Golden State Warriors have brought a lot of their issues on themselves so far this season, leading to a 10-12 record and an 11th-placed standing in the Western Conference.
Turnover and foul problems have plagued the Warriors' season, but they've also been the recipient of some fairly unfortunate luck. They've had one of, if not the toughest schedule in the league, playing just six games against teams that currently sit in the bottom eight of their respective conference.
Within their schedule Golden State have lost six games by a total of four points or less, plus another loss in overtime. Sure, many of those defeats have been self-inflicted, but margins that close also bring an element of sheer luck.
Bradley Beal's expected return on Tuesday is on par with how the Golden State Warriors' season is shaping up
After an overtime loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, the Warriors are travelling to Phoenix to play the Suns on Tuesday night. They're not only expected to come up against star duo Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, but also Bradley Beal who's in line to make his return according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.
It's not just that Beal is returning after a 12-game absence, and for just his fourth game overall this season, it's the fact that this will be the first time the Suns unveil their new big three of Booker, Durant and Beal.
For that to come against the Warriors...well it just about sums up the franchise's season so far -- one with plenty of misfortune and subsequent frustration. However, the glass half full approach would be to see it as an opportunity, a chance to get one back with Phoenix having taken both games against Golden State so far this season.
Incorporating a player of Beal's talent into the lineup could require patience. In the short-term, having the ball in his hands rather than Booker's or Durant's may be a good thing for the Warriors and any team the Suns come up against over the next fortnight or so.
Even despite the brilliance of Booker and Durant, Phoenix have hardly been formidable this season. They're sitting seventh in the West with a 12-10 record, having won just five of their 11 games at Footprint Center.
The trio of Booker, Durant and Beal present as one of the most dangerous offensive trio's in the league, and so their debut against the Warriors feels fitting for how the season is panning out. However, Golden State will be sure to embrace the challenge as they seek to get back on track and build some sort of momentum.