The Phoenix Suns did not list Jusuf Nurkic on their injury report against the Los Angeles Clippers for Wednesday, paving way for the big man to return after missing Tuesday’s game with a right ankle sprain.
Only Damion Lee – who is out still due to meniscus surgery – is listed on Phoenix’s injury report.
Phoenix undoubtedly missed Nurkic in last night’s loss, and that was evident from the Suns’ near-historic poor start. Phoenix shot a combined 2-19 out of the gate and quickly found themsleves down by nearly 30 points in the first quarter despite the Clippers missing James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard, Harden and Paul George will miss tonight’s matchup due to injury. Russell Westbrook and Ivica Zubac are questionable heading into Wednesday as Los Angeles looks to complete the series sweep over Phoenix.
When it comes to availability, Nurkic is the gold standard for Phoenix, as his 73 games started paces the entire team. Kevin Durant and Grayson Allen are right behind him at 72.
Nurkic is averaging 11.1 points and 11 rebounds per night heading into tonight. His rebounding rate is good enough for seventh in the entire NBA while Nurkic has grabbed double-digit boards in his last four outings. He also averages one steal and one block per game.