Could it be wheel bearing being that tire has slight play

Side-to-side play is usually an inner or outer tie rod. Try to look under the car as you wiggle and see if you can spot loose parts. Bad wheel bearings don't always have play, many times you will just hear them as you spin the wheel. But it could also be a wheel bearing. Do you hear a growling noise while driving? If so, then the odds are higher that it's a wheel bearing.