DeAndre Jordan could make his return to the Brooklyn Nets lineup when they play the Phoenix Suns this Sunday.

Jordan missed the Nets' showdown with the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday due to the left ankle sprain he sustained against the New Orleans Pelicans last Monday.

Before missing the game against the Blazers, Jordan has played in the team's first seven games and started in three. He has averaged 6.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.6 assist and 1.3 block per game while shooting 56.3 percent from the field and 46.7 percent from the free-throw line.

DJ has shared the starting duties with Nets' promising big man Jarrett Allen, who has been putting up 9.5 points and 9.6 boards so far.

In Jordan's absence against the Blazers, 20-year-old rookie Nicolas Claxton filled in as backup center. Claxton impressed in the 12 minutes he played in, scoring eight points and grabbing six rebounds.

Jordan is expected to come off the bench should he be available to play against the Suns. After all, the Nets would certainly like to ease him back and prevent aggravating his ankle injury.

However, should the veteran center remain sidelined, Claxton will likely be given the opportunity to play as backup center again and probably given more substantial minutes.

The Nets are currently 4-4 in the season, eighth in the Eastern Conference standings.