Wizards' Beal returns vs. Mavericks

One of the Eastern Conference's top teams just got a big boost.

The Washington Wizards have confirmed that guard Bradley Beal will make his season debut Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks, although he will do so off the bench.

Beal, who missed the team's first nine games following October surgery to repair a fractured left wrist, averaged 17.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals in his sophomore season last year.

The 21-year-old also shot better than 40 percent from three-point territory.

Beal rejoins a Wizards team that has gotten off to a 7-2 start.