PHOENIX SUNS

Suns’ Jusuf Nurkić available Wednesday; Rockets without Dillon Brooks

Dec 27, 2023, 1:56 PM | Updated: 2:34 pm

Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Cent...

Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 02, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić is available and wing Josh Okogie is listed as probable for Wednesday’s road game against the Rockets, while Houston’s Dillon Brooks is out with an oblique strain.

Nurkić missed the last two games due to personal reasons. In Friday’s and Monday’s losses, Drew Eubanks started at center in Nurkić’s place.

Before missing the last two games, Nurkić started in the first 27 games for the Suns. The Bosnian center is averaging 12.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field.

“It’s a human element,” Suns coach Frank Vogel said Sunday about Nurkić’s absence. “I mean you have to treat people the right way. And when you have something like this, you just want to be there for them and help them and make them understand that basketball is secondary to life and just be supportive. We expect him back soon and in some situations, basketball is definitely secondary.”

Nurkic rejoined the team on Tuesday night, he told AZCentral.com’s Duane Rankin.

For the Rockets, Brooks will miss his first game after injuring himself in a loss to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. The defensive specialist is averaging 13.5 points per game in his first year with Houston.

The Rockets also list fellow wing Tari Eason as questionable (leg soreness).

Before returning Monday, Okogie missed the last five games because of a right hip strain. He was limited to 12 minutes in the loss against the Mavericks and was 0-for-5 from the field, including 0-for-3 for behind the arc.

Okogie was listed with ankle soreness for Wednesday.

Before leaving Phoenix’s win over the Warriors on Dec. 12 with a hip injury, Okogie started in 11 games this season.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Phoenix Suns

Suns...

Kellan Olson

Shorthanded Suns hit wall offensively in loss to Nuggets

It was a steep uphill climb for the shorthanded Phoenix Suns on the second night of a back-to-back.

1 day ago

Bol Bol...

Damon Allred

Suns’ Bol Bol throws wild behind-the-back pass, sets up Damion Lee 3-pointer

Bol Bol took advantage of early minutes against the Nuggets by throwing a wild behind-the-back pass for an assist and following it up with a dunk.

2 days ago

Tom Izzo...

Associated Press

Tom Izzo ties Bob Knight’s Big Ten record with Mat Ishbia on hand for championship reunion

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo tied Bob Knight's Big Ten record for wins with Suns owner Mat Ishbia among the former champions attending for their team reunion.

2 days ago

Suns' Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal questionable against the Denver Nuggets....

Arizona Sports

Suns rule Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal out for Saturday’s game vs. Nuggets

The Suns listed Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal as questionable for Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets.

2 days ago

Suns...

Kellan Olson

Suns avoid disaster, secure OT win via Booker and Allen heroics

We are better off not reviewing where the Phoenix Suns' 135-127 overtime victory over the Utah Jazz lands on the spectrum between nearly disastrous loss and spirit-lifting win.

2 days ago

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots in front of Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler during the f...

Lance Hartzler

Devin Booker drops season-high 47, Grayson Allen hits buzzer-beater in win over Jazz

Devin Booker dropped a season-high 47, and Grayson Allen hit a pair of clutch 3s en route to a win over the Utah Jazz Friday night.

2 days ago

Suns’ Jusuf Nurkić available Wednesday; Rockets without Dillon Brooks