PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic will not play tonight against the Utah Jazz in Game 1 of the NBA Cup.

This was confirmed by Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic ahead of the news. Mason Plumlee will get the nod in his place.

Nurkic was initially questionable due to left ankle soreness and has yet to miss a game all season.

Nurkic started Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings with the issue, although he exited after the first half with an injury. Mason Plumlee and Oso Ighodaro finished the action at the bottom of Phoenix’s overtime loss.

Nurkic had a rough start to the season, as his play under new coach Mike Budenholzer wasn’t exactly up to par with Suns fans – although he responded well with four straight 10+ rebound games (three were double-doubles) before the Kings game. , where he left early.

“I have to be better”, Nurkic said earlier in the year during his struggles.

“I have all the support I need from the coaches and the organization. I’m just trying to fit in. I haven’t played as many games as I would like in pre-season, but it’s not perfect. I feel like sometimes I’m just not aggressive like I should (be) and I’m overstepping the boundaries and trying to fit into the system. But that’s no excuse, man. I have to be better, and I think it’s a good step tonight.

Nurkic was acquired via trade with the Portland Trail Blazers early last season due to his ability to play a central role.

His vision and rebounding made him an upgrade over previous big man Deandre Ayton, although his three-point shooting was hit-and-miss to start the year in Phoenix’s attempts to expand the court.

Nurkic is currently averaging 9.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per night.

Phoenix is ​​8-2 for the season that begins tonight while the Jazz are just 2-7, including 0-4 at home.

ESPN analytics give the Suns a 69% chance of winning the game.

The opening is scheduled for 7 p.m. Phoenix time.