Jusuf

Nurkic

Nurkic did not play in Monday’s loss to Orlando, and rookie Oso Ighodaro moved into the starting lineup. The rookie played well against the Magic, and that may be enough to keep him in the lineup if Nurkic remains sidelined.

Nurkic will miss the second half of Phoenix’s back-to-back set, which means Oso Ighodaro could claim the starting center job Monday against the Magic. Ighodaro has averaged 8.5 points and 5.0 rebounds across 26.5 minutes over the Suns’ last two games, and the rookie could be in line for the most playing time of his young career in this one.

The Suns went with a bigger lineup on Sunday, starting Plumlee alongside Jusuf Nurkic. Unfortunately, Nurk got into early foul trouble, so they didn’t get to see that tandem on the floor together for too long. Nurkic played 14 minutes, finishing with five points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one 3-pointer. Plumlee’s best path to credible fantasy value would be to stick as a starter, albeit as the lone big. A two-game Week 5 in which the Suns will be done on Wednesday is not a good time to roster him, but keep an eye on Plumlee’s minutes.

Nurkic has only missed one game and is back is in good enough shape to play in a second straight contest after playing against the Thunder his last time out. His scoring and efficiency is down and Phoenix encouraging him to shoot from long range has played a major part in that. Allen will return to the rotation after sitting out against OKC.

While Nurkic played in Friday’s loss to Oklahoma City, Allen has missed Phoenix’s last two games. With Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant sidelined, the Suns can use Allen’s perimeter shooting ability. Nurkic being cleared to play will not change anything, as he was the starter in Oklahoma City.

Nurkic missed Tuesday’s game, but he will be available for a second straight game after lossing 22 minutes on Wednesday in a blowout loss. He hasn’t gotten off to a great start to the season, but he’ll have a chance to have a big night against a small OKC rotation in this game.

After missing Tuesday’s win over the Jazz due to left ankle soreness, Nurkic started and played 22 minutes on Wednesday. However, the injury designation has been changed from soreness to a sprain, which is somewhat concerning. If Nurkic cannot play, Mason Plumlee moves into the starting lineup, and Oso Ighodaro will crack the rotation

Back in the lineup after sitting out Tuesday’s win over the Jazz, Nurkic didn’t provide much outside of rebounds and steals on Wednesday. Regarding fantasy value, he’s been disappointing, ranking outside the top 200 in 9-cat, per-game value. Dropping Nurkic isn’t a good idea, given his status as a starter. However, considering buying low would not be the worst thing, especially for managers needing rebound production.

Nurkic is back after a one-game absence, so Mason Plumlee will return to the bench. Plumlee is not worth rostering in this spot, nor is rookie Oso Ighodaro, who grabbed 12 rebounds on Tuesday.

Forced to exit Sunday’s overtime loss to the Kings prematurely, Nurkic will not play on Tuesday. Mason Plumlee will fill the void in the starting lineup and is worth streaming in deep leagues for the field goal percentage and rebounds.