Suns' Beal to return vs. Hornets after 5-game absence

The slumping Phoenix Suns are getting a much-needed boost.

Bradley Beal will suit up Friday against the Charlotte Hornets after missing the last five games, the Suns announced hours before tipoff.

Phoenix went 2-3 during the All-Star guard's absence.

Beal has made just six appearances in his first season with Phoenix. A back injury kept the former No. 3 overall pick out of the Suns' first seven contests, and after returning for three games, he was sidelined for an additional month.

Phoenix's new Big Three of Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker have only shared the floor twice this season.

Beal is averaging 14.7 points, 3.3 boards, and 3.2 assists to go along with a 42.9% shooting clip from downtown.

The Suns have lost seven of their past 10 games, dropping to 10th in the West with a 15-15 record.