Jusuf Nurkić's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) is off the injury report heading into Wednesday's matchup with the Sacramento Kings. The 30-year-old injured his ankle when these clubs met on Sunday, keeping him off the floor for Tuesday's win over the Utah Jazz. Mason Plumlee got the start in that one, finishing with eight points and seven assists. But now that Nurkic is back on the floor, Plumlee's fantasy ceiling will come crashing down. As far as Nurkic is concerned, he's a must-start, especially with Kevin Durant (calf) on the shelf, meaning more scoring opportunities will be up for grabs.

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday night's game against the Utah Jazz. Nurkic injured his left ankle during Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Mason Plumlee will start in Nurkic's place. Plumlee will make a viable fantasy option for those in need at the center position, especially from a rebounds perspective. Plumlee grabbed 11 boards while Nurkic missed the second half of Phoenix's game against the Kings. Points may be more sporadic, but both fantasy managers and DFS players should take a look at adding Plumlee into their lineups.

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) is listed as questionable for Tuesday night's game against the Utah Jazz. Nurkic is dealing with left ankle soreness. The 30-year-old injured his ankle in Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings and was ruled out after the first half. Nurkic is averaging 9.9 PPG and 10.2 RPG. If he is unable to suit up his presence on the boards will certainly be felt by a Phoenix team who's already missing Kevin Durant. Mason Plumlee will be in line to get the start if Nurkic's ankle does not cooperate. Plumlee would make a very solid fill-in option for fantasy managers and could be a sneaky DFS play as well.

According to Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer, center Jusuf Nurkic hasn't "done basketball work." He also said Nurkic "hasn't had any contact." The 30-year-old injured his left middle finger while scrimmaging, keeping him off the court during the preseason. While Nurkic averaged 10.9 points last season, nearly three points less than in his final year in Portland, he was still a double-double producer. That's not expected to change, although the injury could compromise his availability for the start of the 2024-25 campaign. If Nurkic misses time, Mason Plumlee or Bol Bol may spend more time in the middle. There's also a chance the Suns go small, with Royce O'Neale sliding over to the five.

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (finger) won't play in Sunday's exhibition against the Lakers. According to head coach Mike Budenholzer, the big man injured his left middle finger during scrimmage. It's unknown how severe the injury is. However, Nurkic will be re-evaluated in a week, meaning he could miss the entire preseason. The 30-year-old played well enough in 2023-24 to justify his presence in fantasy lineups, averaging a double-double (10.9 points, 11.0 rebounds) with 1.1 blocks and 1.1 steals. Without him, Mason Plumlee would be in line to start, although Bol Bol and Royce O'Neale can play bigger if necessary.