With only one game left in the preseason, the Suns are ready for the high-stakes battles to begin. Their first opponents? The Clippers, next Wednesday. While Kevin Durant and Co. have won 3 of their first 4 preseason games so far, they’ve already begun dealing with a major concern. Injuries! Yes, two key players Jusuf Nurkic and Grayson Allen have missed most of the games due to different health issues. And HC Mike Budenholzer has given a concerning update about the two stars that could put Mat Ishbia’s side in more trouble.

Addressing Nurkic and Allen’s current status, Budenholzer said, “Nurk and Grayson, you know Nurk, I think, hasn’t had any contact, hasn’t done any basketball.” Dealing with a left middle finger injury, the Center has not made an appearance in the preseason so far.

Based on Mike’s update, Jusuf Nurkic is unlikely to play in Thursday’s final preseason encounter against the Lakers. Despite staying away from the game, the big man is working on getting back in game shape. The HC revealed, “He’s been doing a great job with his conditioning, but there’s nothing like playing basketball.”

Moreover, the Suns boss revealed a similar concern for Allen, saying, “Really the same thing for Grayson. Really hasn’t done basketball things, for I think it’s been whatever that day in Palm Springs.” While Grayson played the preseason opener against the Lakers and even scored 7 points, he has been out since that game because of an Achilles injury.

Because of their time away from the game, Mike Budenholzer believes there might be a delay in either hoopers’ return, “I think those guys, it’s gonna take them a little bit more.” Amid the concerning update, he also gave a huge sigh of relief to the Suns fans.

Devin Booker ‘ready to go’ while Josh Okogie is still in ‘rehab’

Apart from Allen and Nurkic, Devin Booker has also missed the last two games because of ankle soreness. And the good news is, he has been cleared to play the upcoming games. Even Budenholzer gave a positive update on his health. “Yeah, Devin was great today.” Claiming that he is “ready to go.”

However, it is uncertain if the hooper will play the preseason finale. That’s because Booker has already got the feel of the court by playing in the first two games and scoring a combined 22 points. It is possible that he directly suits up on the opening night, which will give him more time to rest and not risk re-aggravating his injury.

Meanwhile, Josh Okogie, who left last weekend’s game against the Pistons mid-way after suffering a hamstring injury, is still not ready to play. “He is still more in the rehab process, so he didn’t participate in practice,” Budenholzer revealed. In his limited preseason appearances, Okogie looked decent as he scored 15 points in the preseason opener and he could play a key role when he returns.

But for the time being, Mike Budenholzer needs to focus on how to win games without the unavailable players. “You don’t ever want people to be injured or you don’t ever be missing your starting group. But we gotta find the positives and find the combinations and make the best and work with what you got.”

Do you think the Suns can sneak a win on opening night despite having multiple stars on the injury report?

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.