Jusuf Nurkić and Mike Budenholzer aren’t in a good place.

The Phoenix Suns returning 3-2 after a five-game road trip are expected to be at full strength Saturday against the Washington Wizards as Jusuf Nurkić (reconditioning) and Bradley Beal (probable, left ankle sprain) return to the lineup.

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic appeared in and started all but six of the team’s regular season contests during the 2023-24 campaign (plus all four playoff tilts), leading the squad in both games played and started with 76.

Suns center Jusuf Nurkic was unceremoniously benched.

The Phoenix Suns have clawed their way to eighth place in the competitive Western Conference with a 23-21 record. The Suns have tinkered with their lineup along the way with head coach Mike Budenholzer moving center Jusuf Nurkic to the bench in favor of Mason Plumlee on Jan.

The Phoenix Suns provided an injury update about their duo ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Washington Wizards.

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report gave every single team a letter grade at the official halfway point of the season - and the Suns were given an undeniably poor mark. More from Favale as to why the Suns received an F+ 43 games into the season:

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic, after starting 23 games for the club this season and then being moved to the bench, hasn't played since January 7.

Veteran center Jusuf Nurkic was benched earlier this season, and in a perfect world, the Suns would love to use his $18.1 million salary to land a difference-maker. In the meantime, though, he is still a member of the Suns and is working through those difficult circumstances.

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal and big Jusuf Nurkic practiced Friday heading into Saturday’s rematch against the Washington Wizards at Footprint Center to begin a three-game homestand.

Plumlee accumulated six points (3-4 FG, 0-1 3Pt), five rebounds, one assist and four steals across 17 minutes during Wednesday's 108-84 win over the Nets. Plumlee had a solid performance off the ...