Jusuf Nurkić Upgraded to Available for Tonight’s Matchup vs. Rockets, Rockets Injury Update

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Phoenix Suns have officially upgraded Jusuf Nurkić from probable to available for tonight’s game against the Houston Rockets.

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Jusuf Nurkić is available for tonight’s game at Houston. pic.twitter.com/rzBUiQKAaH

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 27, 2023

Nurkić re-joined the team yesterday after missing the past two games due to the death of his uncle.

"He was like my big brother. One of the few people, maybe the only one to know me since I was born. Talked to him pretty much every day. Three times a day."

Jusuf Nurkic on passing of his uncle as he is back with the Phoenix Suns going into Wednesday's game at #Rockets. #Suns pic.twitter.com/9gyiaeajRW

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 27, 2023

Phoenix lost both of the games Nurkić was out, which were his only two missed games all season.

In total, the Suns are really struggling, losing nine of their last 12 and standing below .500 at 14-15 overall. They are currently in 11th place in the Western Conference.

Phoenix will be without Bradley Beal (right ankle sprain) and Damion Lee (right meniscus surgery) tonight. Josh Okogie (right ankle soreness) remains probable after suffering the injury during Monday’s loss to the Mavericks and eventually returning.

#Suns injury report tomorrow at #Rockets

Jusuf Nurkić (personal reasons) PROBABLE

Josh Okogie (right ankle soreness) PROBABLE

Nassir Little (orbital fracture) AVAILABLE

Bradley Beal (right ankle sprain) OUT

Damion Lee (right meniscus surgery) OUT

— Brendan Mau (@brendan_mau) December 26, 2023

Rockets Injury Report

The Rockets (15-13) played last night, so their injury report wasn’t released until today.

Dillon Brooks, who had played and started in all of Houston’s first 28 games, will be out tonight with a right oblique strain.

Tari Eason is questionable with left lower leg soreness, while Victor Oladipo remains out with a left patellar tendon repair suffered during the playoffs last season with the Heat.

Tonight’s game tips off at 6 p.m. MST.

Suns Upgrade Key Starter to Probable for Tomorrow’s Game vs. Rockets

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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