Phoenix Suns coach Frank Vogel provided a key injury update on his team before tomorrow’s Christmas Day matchup against the Mavericks.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Phoenix will be without Bradley Beal (right ankle sprain) and Jusuf Nurkić (personal reasons) once again tomorrow.
Josh Okogie (right hip contusion) is expected to make his return from a five-game absence tomorrow, while Eric Gordon will be listed as probable with a hip issue.
Damion Lee (right meniscus surgery) remains out.
Phoenix #Suns coach Frank Vogel's injury update for tomorrow's Christmas Day game vs. #Mavericks
Josh Okogie (hip) PROBABLE
Eric Gordon (hip) PROBABLE
Jusuf Nurkić (personal reasons) OUT
Bradley Beal (right ankle sprain) OUT
Damion Lee (right meniscus surgery) OUT— Brendan Mau (@brendan_mau) December 24, 2023
Bradley Beal
The Suns reported Beal to be re-evaluated on Jan. 1 due to a right ankle sprain suffered Dec. 15 against the Knicks.
However, Beal has been seen getting up shots and moving well since then.
Vogel commented on if Beal could return before Jan. 1.
“If he gets healthier sooner, then he’ll be back sooner,” Vogel said. “But the expectation is probably going to be until January.”
Beal actually did practice some today.
“He did a little bit more than light shooting today,” Vogel said. “Did some of the non-contact part of practice today, moving around a little bit more, still hobbled, but getting full.”
Beal has appeared in six contests this year and is averaging 14.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 25.2 minutes per game.
Jusuf Nurkić
He will remain out tomorrow with these personal reasons, but is expected to re-join the team Tuesday.
“It’s a human element,” Vogel said. “We have to you have to treat people the right way. And when they have something like this, you just want to be there for them and support them and make them understand that basketball is secondary to life. Just be supportive. We do expect him back soon. In some situations, basketball is definitely secondary.”
Nurkić is averaging 12.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in 27 starts this season.
Josh Okogie
Okogie suffered his injury during the first half of the Suns’ Dec. 12 matchup against the Golden State Warriors and has not played since.
Okogie has posted 6.5 points and 3.4 rebounds across 23 contests.
He was a full participant in Thursday’s practice, but was eventually ruled out Friday after being a game-time decision.
Vogel said Okogie will be listed as probable and is expected to play tomorrow. He talked about his impact defensively, especially against a team featuring Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
“We’ve missed Josh Okogie,” Vogel said. “The effort and energy that he brings, the defensive disposition, primary matchups. Now obviously, we’ve got to figure out how to kind of go at Luka and Kyrie tomorrow, so his impact will be a welcome sight.”
Eric Gordon
Gordon has played in the last few games, but Vogel said he will be listed as probable with a “hip problem.”
Gordon had 0 points on Friday vs. the Kings and made some headlining comments about his role on the team following the loss.
The Suns are 14-14 on the year and have lost four of their last five and eight of their last 11.
They will try to rebound at 8:30 p.m. MST tomorrow in their Christmas Day game against the Mavs.
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
