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Jusuf Nurkić available tonight against Heat

© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns’ starting center Jusuf Nurkić will make his return from a one-game absence due to a left thumb sprain tonight against the Miami Heat.

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Nurkić was originally ruled to be questionable and then a game-time decision. He suffered the injury in the Suns’ 133-131 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Jan. 26.

He missed last night’s game against the Magic because the swelling and pain in his thumb had not gone away. The Suns (26-20) greatly missed Nurkić in their 113-98 loss to the Magic.

Phoenix has by far its best net rating with Nurkić on the floor (9.1) compared to any other player. Nurkić is averaging 11.6 points and 10.3 rebounds in the 43 contests he’s played in. Sunday’s game was the first game he’s missed all season due to injury.

Bradley Beal (nasal fracture) will play tonight in a new, fitted mask. After suffering the injury against the Pacers, Beal was wearing a non-fitted mask that greatly affected his ability to see last night, as he shot 3-for-14 from the floor.

Bol Bol (right foot sprain) will miss his ninth straight game, but coach Frank Vogel has said his injury is not long term. Damion Lee remains out after undergoing right meniscus surgery in the offseason.

For the Heat (24-22), only Dru Smith is out after undergoing knee surgery earlier this season.

Tonight’s game tips off at 5:30 p.m. MST. The Suns are on a two-game losing streak, while the Heat are on a six-game losing streak.

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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

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