PHOENIX — Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic will not play tonight against the Utah Jazz in the first game of the NBA Cup.

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

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

Nurkic began Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings with the problem, although he exited after the first half due to the injury. Mason Plumlee and Oso Ighodaro finished the action from the bottom in 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 game against the Kings. , where he left early.

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

“I have all the support I need from the coaches and the organization. I’m just trying to fit in. I didn’t play as many games as I would like in the preseason, but it’s not perfect. I feel like sometimes I’m just not aggressive like I should (be) and I go over the top and try to fit into the system. But it’s no excuse, man. I have to improve and I think it’s a good step tonight.”

Nurkic was acquired in a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers at the beginning of last season due to his ability to play a center role.

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

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

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

ESPN Analysis gives the Suns a 69% chance of winning the game.

The opening tip is scheduled for 7:00 pm Phoenix time.