Suns Center Jusuf Nurkic Will Play vs Heat

The Phoenix Suns will have Jusuf Nurkic in the lineup tonight against the Miami Heat.

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns will have Jusuf Nurkic available in the lineup tonight when they face the Miami Heat, as confirmed by the team just now.

Tonight's @BannerHealth Health Update: pic.twitter.com/4EQa8L0JVg

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 29, 2024

Suns coach Frank Vogel told reporters he was "hopeful" Nurkic would play tonight and ruled the big man a game-time decision before receiving clearance. 

Nurkic missed just his third game of the season - and the first due to injury - in last night's loss against the Orlando Magic after spraining his thumb in Friday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers. 

Both the Pacers and Magic were able to take advantage of Nurkic's absence down low, as the Suns have been the obvious inferior rebounding team in their previous two outings. 

Drew Eubanks started in Nurkic's place last night.

Nurkic, acquired in the massive deal that sent Deandre Ayton to Portland and Damian Lillard to Milwaukee, has fit just fine in Phoenix's starting lineup alongside Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen and Kevin Durant. 

His ability to rebound and act as a facilitator has been praised by coaches and teammates alike upon arrival. 

The Suns are currently on a two-game losing skid after previously winning seven in a row while the Heat themselves are on their own six-game losing streak. 

Suns-Heat will tip at 5:30 PM Arizona time. Miami is currently a 3.5-point favorite on SI Sportsbook - and for more betting insight you can check out the following article below:

Suns-Heat Betting Guide: Trends, Props and More