Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić (right ankle sprain) and guard Bradley Beal (left hamstring tightness) will both miss tonight’s game against the Houston Rockets.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Both were originally listed as doubtful, as the Suns will conclude a quick two-game road trip with the second night of a back-to-back. This will be Beal’s third straight game missed.
Coach Frank Vogel said Nurkić rolled his ankle in practice on Wednesday and played through it in yesterday’s loss to the Mavericks, but it swelled up after. Both Nurkić and Beal are possible to play Sunday afternoon when the Suns host the Lakers.
Drew Eubanks and Eric Gordon will start in their places. New addition Thaddeus Young will see his first minutes tonight, Vogel added.
Video credit to AZ Central’s Duane Rankin
Frank Vogel said Bradley Beal didn't progress enough from Thursday to go.
Jusuf Nurkic hurt ankle Wednesday practice. Played thru it Thursday. Sore before, worse after, swelled.
Both possible Sunday vs. #Lakers.
Eric Gordon, Drew Eubanks start, Thaddeus Young set to play #Suns pic.twitter.com/JGCRPM6IKE
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 23, 2024
The only other name on the Suns’ injury report is Damion Lee, who has missed the entire season after undergoing right meniscus surgery in the offseason.
Tonight's @BannerHealth Health Update: pic.twitter.com/RYVcWSEtln
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 24, 2024
Luckily for the Suns, Kevin Durant (knee) was not on the injury report after this scary play last night.
looks like KD avoided injury as PJ Washington falls and makes him lose his shoe pic.twitter.com/MCUNcZ9Rfx
— Cage (@ridiculouscage) February 23, 2024
"It's always scary when someone rolls into your legs, but thankfully it was nothing."
Frank Vogel on Kevin Durant from Thursday's game at #Mavs as P.J..Washington rolled into Durant. #Suns pic.twitter.com/Uhx3C1dgfQ
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 23, 2024
The Suns went small in the second half last night, resulting in Nurkić playing only 20 total minutes and five in the second half.
Beal suffered the injury during last Tuesday’s win over the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter and did not return.
Phoenix is 0-3 without Nurkić this season.
Could be seeing some Thaddeus Young minutes tonight with Jusuf Nurkić doubtful. Suns are 0-3 when Nurkić doesn’t play this season https://t.co/d5i94nmY1k
— Brendan Mau (@brendan_mau) February 23, 2024
For the Rockets, Tari Eason (left lower leg injury management) and Steven Adams (right knee PCL surgery) are out.
Tonight’s game tips off at 6 p.m. MST.
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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
