Former Suns Forward Cleared for Return

Former Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder is set to make his return tonight.

PHOENIX -- Former Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder has been cleared to return to action following a two month hiatus thanks to a core injury. 

More from NBA insider Shams Charania on Twitter/X:

"Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder – out for last two months with core muscle surgery – has been cleared to return to the lineup Wednesday vs. the Cavaliers in Cleveland, sources tell @TheAthletic/@Stadium. Crowder is among Bucks leaders in minutes per game, impacting both ends."

Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder – out for last two months with core muscle surgery – has been cleared to return to the lineup Wednesday vs. the Cavaliers in Cleveland, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Crowder is among Bucks leaders in minutes per game, impacting both ends. pic.twitter.com/WZlvD7hGEg

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 16, 2024

Crowder hasn't played since Nov. 11 due to the injury, which specifically was a left adductor and abdominal tear. It was initially believed to be a groin strain.

Crowder - who departed Phoenix last season in the deal that landed Kevin Durant from Brooklyn before ultimately being shipped to Milwaukee - averaged 8.1 points/3.9 rebounds/1.7 assists per night before being injured. 

In an instagram post yesterday, Crowder hinted at his return for the Bucks:

"BLESSED & THANKFUL FOR IT ALL.! LAST NIGHT WAS FUN.! LETS CONTINUE BUILDING AND MAKING THE DAYS COUNT.!! 99 BACK IN BUSINESS" 

Jae Crowder announces his return

Bucks play next at Cleveland on Wednesday#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/R18ZU4IoAw

— Paul Henning (@brewcitypaul) January 15, 2024

The Bucks are currently 28-12 and are on a three-game winning streak. They're currently three games back from Boston as the No. 1 team in the East. 

The Suns themselves are 21-18 and have won their last seven-of-ten entering Tuesday. 

The two squads will face each other next on Tuesday, Feb. 6 in Phoenix.