The Phoenix Suns were neck-and-neck with the Atlanta Hawks in their last showdown yesterday. Despite falling behind by 7 points early, Kevin Durant and co. clawed their way back into the game to win it by 128-115. However, big man Jusuf Nurkic was sidelined due to a third-quarter incident. So, will Nurkic be playing in the showdown against the San Antonio Spurs?

Center Jusuf Nurkic collided with Atlanta’s Clint Capela while Capela was contesting a layup attempt by Grayson Allen. That contact left Nurkic in pain, clutching his face as he went down. He exited the game and was later diagnosed with an orbital contusion, but listed as “probable” for their upcoming game against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. While the injury sounds serious, reports suggest Nurkic might just be suiting up to battle it out with Victor Wembanyama.

Shooting guard Josh Okogie, out for ten games with a lower abdominal strain, has been upgraded to questionable for the Spurs game. Coach Frank Vogel anticipates his return this weekend while Damion Lee remains out. Center Jusuf Nurkic’s toughness was on display once again against the Hawks. Despite a facial collision, Nurkic returned to finish the game. This has been a recurring theme for Nurkic, who has powered through various injuries; playing a crucial role, nonetheless.

Jusuf Nurkic: A likely tower against the Spurs

Since joining the Suns in September, Nurkic has turned himself from a rebounding machine into the defensive anchor Phoenix desperately needed. This allows their star-stacked trio of Durant, Booker, and Beal to light up the scoreboard. Nurkic averages an impressive 11.5 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. The stats speak volumes as the Suns are undefeated whenever Nurkic plays. All of the four losses the team incurred this season, arrived in absence of their center.

Moreover, Nurkic historically dominates the Spurs, averaging a double-double (13.3 points, 8.1 rebounds) in their 23 career meetings. Zooming in on the last five games, his numbers become even more impressive with a staggering 14.2 rebounds, 9.2 points, and 3.8 assists.

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Nurkic’s impact goes beyond basic stats. He has a top-20 defensive rating (108.2) in the league, deterring opponents from attacking the rim and contributing to the Suns’ stifling defense. He also shoots a respectable 54.1% from the field, efficiently converting the high-percentage looks he gets from the Suns’ offense. And despite battling injuries throughout, Nurkic has remarkably played in 68 games this season.

With only 12 games remaining and the playoffs right around the corner, Nurkic’s health is critical for the Suns’ championship aspirations. The upcoming matchup against the Spurs offers another opportunity for Nurkic to establish his dominance and push the Suns toward that coveted championship ring.

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