The Phoenix Suns will be without starting center Jusuf Nurkic for their final NBA Cup West Group B game against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. Nurkic is out with a right thigh contusion and will miss additional games after Tuesday.
Nurkic, who averages 8.9 points and 9.9 rebounds, sat out Saturday’s 113-105 win over Golden State with a right quad contusion. He will be re-evaluated in a week. The Suns’ next games are against New Orleans, Miami, and Orlando.
According to Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, “He’s been dealing with a lot of stuff to start the year… A week and re-evaluate and try to get him where he’s 100% healthy.”
Meanwhile, Suns guard Bradley Beal is listed as probable for Tuesday’s game with a left calf injury. Beal returned for two games after missing five games due to a left calf strain. However, he was sidelined again against the Warriors on Saturday.
Beal participated in a significant part of Monday’s practice, and coach Budenholzer is optimistic about his return. “Brad did a significant part of (Monday’s) practice… He looked good when he did practice, and it’s always you got to wait and see how they respond, see how they feel tomorrow.”
In Beal’s absence, Grayson Allen made his first start of the season, scoring 17 points with 13 coming in the second quarter. Allen’s performance helped the Suns take a 66-49 halftime lead.
The Suns also started Mason Plumlee in place of Nurkic, while rookie big Oso Ighodaro played 31 minutes off the bench. Plumlee had two points and six rebounds, while Ighodaro posted six points and eight boards.
As the Suns face the Spurs, they will rely on their depth and teamwork to fill the void left by Nurkic’s injury. With Beal’s probable return, the Suns are hopeful for a strong performance against the Spurs.
